Westmeath has one of the highest Covid infection rates in the country

Westmeath has one of the highest Covid 19 incidence rates in the country.

According to the latest figures from the HSE, on Monday the county had a seven day incidence rate of 255.7 cases per 100,000 people. Only Donegal (421.5 per 100,000), Louth (367), Carlow (365.3) and Monaghan (338.8) had higher incidence rates. In total, 227 Westmeath people had tested positive for Covid-19 between September 14 to 20.

While the number of new cases remains relatively high, the number of people being treated in hospital has fallen significantly in recent weeks.

The HSE's chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan says vaccines have “fundamentally changed the risk profile of Covid-19 in Ireland”.

“If you are fully protected through vaccination, then you can have confidence that your vaccination, and your continued adherence to the public health advice appropriate to each environment, is the best way you can protect yourself from Covid-19,” he said.

“If you display cold or flu like symptoms like cough, fever, headache, sore throat and blocked or runny nose, self-isolate immediately. Please do not meet up with others or attend events, work or school. Arrange a PCR test through the HSE as soon as possible.”