Average rate of Covid-19 infection falls by 14% in two weeks

The average rate of Covid-19 infection across Ireland has fallen by 14 per cent in the last two weeks, according to latest data, but problems remain for Border counties.

Weekly figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre monitor the 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 of population across the country’s 166 local electoral areas (LEAs).

A fortnight ago the average incidence rate had climbed to 526.4 but has continued to fall, reaching 450.9 as of last Monday.

However, in some areas infection rates remain stubbornly high, particularly in the northern part of the country.

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Thursday’s numbers show that all of the top 10 most problematic LEAs were in the Border region.

Monaghan is particularly acute and the only county to break the 1,500 cases per 100,000 threshold, with the Ballybay-Clones LEA recording rates of 1,576 and Monaghan Town in second position with 1,538.

Carndonagh in Co Donegal has slipped away from the top position but is nevertheless the third most problematic area, where rates are now at 1,427.

Worst

Donegal accounts for half of the top 10 worst affected areas with an average incidence rate among the five of them at 1,127.

In order of severity, the county's worst areas are Buncrana in fourth position (1,234 per 100,000); Milford in fifth (1,133); Lifford-Stranorlar in eighth (923); and Glenties in ninth (920).

Elsewhere, Monaghan’s third LEA to feature in the top group, in 10th position, is Carrickmacross-Castleblayney with a 14-day incidence rate per 100,000 of 919.

Manorhamilton in Co Leitrim is in sixth position at 1,118 and Bailieborough-Cootehill in Co Cavan is in seventh with 1,012. In total, 69 of the 166 LEAs, or 41 per cent, are above the national average incidence rate.

The publication of the data is designed to facilitate greater insight into where the virus is most dominant.

At the other end of the table, Fermoy, Co Cork has a 14-day incidence rate of just 104. New Ross in Co Wexford recorded a rate of 162; Roscrea-Templemore in Co Tipperary 181; Rosslare in Co Wexford 186; and Athlone in Co Westmeath 194.