92 patients contracted Covid-19 at University Hospital Waterford in the month of January.
That's according to figures obtained by the Sunday Independent which outlined the number of people who were admitted for other reasons but acquired the virus.
The breakdown looks at 45 hospitals across the country from January 1st 2021, to January 31st of the same month.
Nationwide, 151 patients contracted Covid-19 at St Vincent's Hospital - the highest in the country.
There were 131 hospital-acquired cases at St James' Hospital, 130 at Cork University Hospital, 115 at University Hospital Galway and 99 at University Hospital Limerick.
Elsewhere across the South East region, 23 patients contracted the virus at South Tipperary General Hospital, 18 at Wexford General.
In Kilkenny, no patients contracted the virus at St. Lukes or Kilcreen Orthopaedic Hospital.
The situation in Waterford has drastically improved since January and there has been significant progress made according to the HSE in the South East.
As of 8 o'clock last night (Saturday, May 8th) there is now one patient being treated for the virus at University Hospital Waterford.
The Chief Officer of South East Community Healthcare (SECH) Kate Killeen White echoed comments by HSE CEO Paul Reid as to a strong sense of optimism being felt at this stage of the pandemic in Ireland.
Evidence such as reduced hospitalisations, a decrease in ICU admissions and lower incidence of mortality relate to the positive impact of the vaccination programme.
The Chief Officer of SECH was also joined, however, in a note of caution by the General Manager of University Hospital Waterford Grace Rothwell and the Hospital Managers of Wexford General Hospital (Linda O’ Leary), St. Luke’s General Hospital, Carlow/Kilkenny (Anne Slattery) and South Tipperary General Hospital (Maria Barry) – all of whom urged people to remain vigilant.
Director of the HSE’s South East Public Health Dept. Dr. Carmel Mullaney also reflected the current advice of the state’s Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, when adding:
“The HSE have been preparing for and dealing with the pandemic since January of 2020 and we have now reached a very hopeful stage.
"With the changes to restrictions due on Monday (May 10th) we can look forward to opportunities to enjoy the better weather and to meeting safely with family and close friends – but continuing to keep within the current public health guidelines," she said.
Dr Mullaney said that although there is evidence the virus has lulled significantly in the region, she's urging the public to remain vigilant.
“The virus is still circulating in the community. It is still a risk, particularly to those who have yet to be vaccinated. Collectively, we know how to interrupt the spread of this disease. So, when you are making plans for the coming week, don’t underestimate the need to keep your distance, remember that meeting others outdoors is much safer than indoors.
"Continue to wash hands and to wear a mask where it is required. Avoid crowded indoor spaces. If you have symptoms of Covid, self-isolate and phone your GP to get a test. Together these simple measures will minimise the risk of infection," she said.
