Another round of mass COVID-19 testing is to be conducted for students at the University of Limerick.
It’s in response to the current high levels of the virus among students who are living near to its campus.
This day two weeks ago saw fewer than five of the on campus UL students referred for COVID tests.
Yesterday, that number had soared to fifty.
This increase in the prevelence of the virus, according to health officials, is largely associated with household outbreaks in off-campus student accommodation.
In response, HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare and the National Ambulance Service are to carry out a further round of mass testing that will be offered to students, who in turn are being encouraged to sign up.
Health officials say there is a particular risk of the disease spreading among students, as they often live in large households, travel to and from their family homes, and may have a part-time job.
Because many will present no symptoms, the level of risk multiplies when they breach their social bubble.
There are concerns over a continued number of both small and larger social gatherings.
