‘Some harsh lessons were learned’ – how Kilkenny avoided surge in Covid cases across south east
Kilkenny has managed to avoid a huge surge in Covid-19 cases across the south east.
The county has not recorded more than 50 cases in a week since February 14, putting Kilkenny only behind Leitrim in the national Covid incidence rate table.
Cases soared locally in the countdown to Christmas and a large outbreak was recorded at St Luke’s General Hospital.
In the first week of January 844 people tested positive in Kilkenny, but since then the number of cases has fallen significantly.
However, our neighbouring counties in the south east have not fared as well, with Carlow, Wexford and Waterford all suffering a huge spike in cases of the virus during the same period.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere believes some harsh lessons were learned over Christmas which resulted in a change in attitudes locally.
The Graiguenamanagh-based politician, who sadly lost his grandmother to Covid-19 after she contracted the virus in a nursing home last year, told the Irish Independent: “There are a lot of individuals and families who were left devastated and heartbroken by what happened over Christmas.
“We’ve had our fair share of pain, like all counties, and have seen how hard Covid can hit and the impact it can have. We’ve lost frontline staff in St Luke’s Hospital too. I really do think a lot more people started taking responsibility after Christmas.”
