Rural Galway has largely avoided the COVID virus
LARGE swathes of rural Galway have avoided any case of the COVID-19 virus, according to the latest data released in a Dept. of Health/CSO coronavirus incidence rate map of Ireland (see map alongside).
Large parts of West and South Connemara along with major areas in North, East and South Galway, have also escaped having any case of the dreaded virus.
As to be expected, the highest rate of infection is in the Galway city area, according to the figures that cover the period from the start of the virus in Ireland to June 12 last.
Two areas in the West with meat plants – near Athleague and Ballyhaunis – showed higher than average rates of COVID incidence as compared to the rest of the region.
Up to June 12 last, the total number of coronavirus cases in Galway stood at 484, with nine people having died from the infection.
Although Galway has roughly twice the population of Mayo (c. 258,000 versus 130,000), the number of COVID-19 cases in Mayo, up to June 12, was 554 with 41 deaths.
Tuam councillor, Pete Roche – located in the heart of rural Galway in Abbeyknockmoy – said, that in all probability, the reason for the low rate of the infection in County Galway was related to the high level of compliance with the guidelines.
“There was also a lot of fear out there in the early days of the emergency guidelines but I would have to say that the vast, vast majority of people were really brilliant in terms of complying with what was asked of them.
“While it has been a tough few months, there were also many positive aspects in the way people reacted to the crisis.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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