69 Covid-19 related deaths recorded in Westmeath

Published: Wed 5 May 2021, 3:09 PM

Last updated: Wed 5 May 2021, 3:10 PM

There have been 69 Covid-19 related deaths in Westmeath since the start of the pandemic.

According to new figures from the CSO, between the start of March 2020 and April 27 of this year, there were just under 70 Covid related deaths in the county, with a fatality rate of 78.06 per 100,000. To date, there have been 3,871 confirmed cases of the virus in the county.

The figures, which were released by the CSO to the Irish Independent, also revealed that Mayo had the highest fatality rate in the country (180 Covid related deaths/138.01 per 100,000), followed by border counties Louth (177 deaths/137.88), Cavan (101 deaths/132.73) and Monaghan (76 deaths/124.04).

Sligo (23 deaths/35.19 per 100,000) had the lowest fatality rate in the country, followed by Kerry (54 deaths/36.6), Leitrim (14 deaths/43.79) and Galway (121 deaths/46.8).

In the midlands, Longford (21 deaths/51.46 per 100,000) had the lowest fatality rate, followed by Westmeath, Laois (77 deaths/90.87) and Offaly (71 deaths/91.02). Nationally, there have been almost 4,900 Covid related deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Third highest incidence rate

Meanwhile, Westmeath currently has the third highest Covid-19 incidence rate in the country (207.3). According to the latest figures from the Department of Health that were published yesterday evening, the incidence rate of the virus locally stands at 207.3 per 100,000. Only Kildare (266.1 per 100,000) and Donegal (306.5 per 100,000) currently have higher incidence rates. The national average is 134.1.

The latest figures also revealed that 15 new cases of the virus had been detected locally on Monday, while the five day moving average is 12.6. In total, there were 184 new cases detected during the last two weeks.

Speaking yesterday, chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said that while we can look forward to the easing of restrictions on May 10, the virus is still circulating in the community and is still a risk to those who have not been vaccinated yet.

“Collectively we know how to interrupt the spread of this disease, so when you are making plans for the coming week, don’t underestimate the need to keep your distance, meet outdoors where possible and wash your hands. And if it’s crowded, turn around and come back another time. Together these simple measures will minimise the risk of infection."