Funerals, Communions and weddings blamed for Kerry's high Covid-19 numbers 

First Communions and Confirmations are being blamed for high Covid rates in Kerry.

Funerals, First Communions, Confirmations, weddings and other "social gatherings" are driving high Covid-19 case numbers in Kerry, the region's public health service has said.

The county is experiencing high positivity rates throughout, but particularly in urban areas, it has said.

Dr Anne Sheahan, acting director of public health for Cork and Kerry, said the increase in positive case numbers in Kerry was being seen across different age groups.

The 14-day incidence rate, as of Sunday night, had almost doubled in three weeks, from just under 300 to almost 580.

The positivity rate in Kerry is now at 15%, five points ahead of the national average.

Dr Sheahan said: “We are aware of an increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 across Kerry. We’re seeing this increase in all age-groups, and in many areas – particularly urban areas.

Public health had not traced the increase back to any particular event but was continuing to investigate clusters and outbreaks, she said.

They were, however, seeing an increase in workplaces, as a result of many social gatherings such as First Communions, Confirmations, weddings and as a result of funerals.

There is a high level of community spread in the country at the moment. For that reason, I appeal to people who are not yet vaccinated to make sure they get their Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible. 

"Walk-in vaccination clinics will be available at the Tralee Vaccination Centre on Thursday and Monday, from 3pm-5pm,” Dr Sheahan said.

Overall vaccination rate high

While the overall vaccination rate in Kerry is high, Dr Sheahan said she would still ask anyone who is not fully vaccinated, for any reason, to make sure they get their full set of vaccinations as soon as possible.

Dr Eamonn Shanahan, GP at the Farranfore Medical Centre, serving the mid-Kerry area between Tralee and Killarney, said many older people are presenting, and household settings account for most of the incidents he sees.

He said social distancing was not being obeyed in shops and his patients were complaining.

Dr Shanahan, whose practice serves a wide hinterland, is sounding a warning about the “great reopening”, the ending of most restrictions nationally, in under two weeks.

“I hope the great re-opening is not premature,” he said.

Personally, he will continue to take precautions and will not go where there are large crowds of people – irrespective of whether this is indoors or outdoors, the GP said.