Case of Covid-19 reported in Custume Barracks

The Westmeath Independent understands that a case of Covid-19 was reported in Athlone's Custume Barracks more than a week ago.

It's believed that a member of the Defence Forces tested positive for the virus, and that other Defence Forces members with whom this person may have been in contact were advised to self-isolate as a result.

Other than those who were self-isolating, the soldiers and staff were continuing to report for duty at the barracks as per normal over the last week.

When contacted by the Westmeath Independent last week, the Defence Forces press office said it "does not comment on individual cases" and that it was continuing to "strictly adhere to all HSE and Government Covid-19 guidelines".

On Monday, the Irish Independent reported that there had been a Covid-19 case at the barracks in Athlone, and its report said 27 other personnel had been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure as a result.

When contacted last week, Ger Guinan, the General Secretary of PDFORRA, the Defence Forces' representative body, wasn't aware of the case in Athlone.

It was his understanding that there had been a number of positive cases of the virus within the Defence Forces in recent months.

Mr Guinan said there were policies and procedures in place to deal with positive tests among Defence Forces members.

PDFORRA's advice to its members throughout the country was to follow the HSE guidelines on limiting the spread of Covid-19.

Members of the Defence Forces have been active during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping with the establishment of testing centres across the country while paramedics, in conjunction with the HSE, also carried out testing.