Students thanked for their efforts

Third level students on Leeside have been thanked for their work in reducing the spread of Covid-19.

Director of Public Health Dr Anne Sheahan confirmed on Tuesday that the rate of Covid-19 is declining in the 19-24 age group in Cork and Kerry and is at a similar level to the general population.

Dr Sheahan said: “This tells us that this age-group, including third-level students, have made huge efforts in recent weeks to stick to the tough but necessary measures which stop the spread of Covid-19 including not socialising, physical distancing and wearing masks.”

She thanked students and young people for their efforts and added that the current restrictions which prevent normal socialising are particularly difficult for young people.

She added: “This is a very big ask of young people, we’ve had to ask them to give up so much at a very important stage of life. I want to thank these young people for their efforts. By giving up socialising and by taking the hard decision not to interact with your social groups, you have saved lives and are contributing to the falling levels of Covid-19 in the south.”

The Department of Public Health in the south has linked with student representatives and third-level institutions in recent months as part of local efforts to reduce the transmission of Covid-19, and Dr Sheahan said this collaboration has been very effective.

“We have linked with student representatives in recent months in Cork and Kerry, and have been very impressed by the supports they have put in place to assist students missing out on the social interaction which are such an important part of student life,” she said.

While the rates of Covid-19 in Cork continue to fall, Dr Sheahan warned that everyone still needs to continue to stick with the restrictions in order to continue this positive trend.

She explained: “Together, we have turned the tide on the third wave of Covid-19 in Cork and Kerry, and I want to thank the student population for the part they have played in that. Unfortunately, I need to ask you to keep it up so that we make the most of this chance to drive infection rates as low as possible.

“This is a true community effort, and it is reassuring to see that students and young people continue to play their part,” she concluded.