Welcome reduction in nursing home Covid cases provides positive update re vaccination
Friday February 26, 202126th February 2021: Nursing Homes Ireland today welcomed the substantial reduction in the number of Covid-positive cases for nursing homes. NPHET yesterday informed 91 lab confirmed cases for nursing homes were confirmed for the week of 21st February by comparison with 482 for the week of February 14th, representing an 82% reduction. Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO states: “This represents a very substantial reduction and provides very positive early indication regarding the efficiency of the vaccine in protecting our most vulnerable from the virus. The rollout for nursing homes has entailed a huge operation within communities across the country and nursing homes are very thankful to the HSE teams that have been administering the vaccine across almost 600 settings. We concur with public health statements that a cautious approach must be adopted for the reopening of nursing homes for in-person visits and the matter must be given careful consideration. The virus remains very prevalent within communities and easing of visiting restrictions will bring increased movement of people in and out of nursing homes. We believe the present footing does require easing of visitor restrictions to be to the fore within public health considerations and planning and welcome commitments in this regard.”
Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO, is available for further comment. Media interviews will be facilitated by Michael McGlynn, NHI Communications & Research Executive, who can be contacted at 087 9082970.