The Department of Public Health in the mid-west has appealed to the student population in the region to desist from social gatherings in order to curb the emergence of significant and complex outbreaks of Covid-19.
The department has cited two community outbreaks in recent weeks which have led to 38 cases in one and 61 cases in a second, as examples of how easily and quickly infection can spread among groups.
Both cases were before the third wave and were referenced at last week's NPHET meeting.
In one outbreak, a confirmed case worked in a café and transmitted the virus to two work colleagues, causing a workplace outbreak, who then spread the virus to family members resulting in 38 cases.
In the second outbreak, 61 cases emerged after one person with the virus worked at a hotel during a wedding and transmitted it to 16 guests and work colleagues, who then passed it onto their households, and from one house to their extended family.
Discussing the outbreaks, Director of Public Health Mid-West Dr Mai Mannix said: "These are just two of many incidents where social events have led to very complex outbreaks in the region.
Dr Mannix said: "December saw a significant number of social gatherings of all age groups, resulting in a concerning level of illness and death this month.
"We do not want to repeat that, as we are still managing and investigating outbreaks among our most vulnerable.
While, Specialist in Public Health Medicine Dr Marie Casey, who works directly with third-level institutions in the Mid-West region, said they are starting to see initial evidence of student clusters again and are urging all students to act responsibly and adhere to public health guidelines.
She said: "We know that it is a very trying time for students with the current restrictions in place. We acknowledge the numerous sacrifices they have made over the past 11 months, and we understand the urge to visit friends and classmates in the current circumstances.
"However, whether you are a student or not, household visits or gatherings should not be taking place at this time."
On 19 January, there were 198 Covid-19 cases recorded in the mid-west region. This dropped to 60 on 1 February.
