Alleged rape at quarantine hotel
A criminal investigation has begun into the alleged rape of a member of the Defence Forces at a hotel used for the mandatory quarantine of new arrivals into the State.
The female member of the Defence Forces has made a complaint to the Garda, which was now being investigated.
The Defence Forces, members of which are involved in operating the system, said it was aware of an alleged incident that recently took place at a hotel being used for mandatory quarantine.
Covid vaccine latest
The Department of Health is considering advice on mixing Covid vaccine doses, the chair of National Immunisation Advisory Committee has said.
Meanwhile, the HSE has confirmed the locations, dates and times of walk-in Covid-19 vaccine clinics, which will open their doors across the country this bank holiday weekend for anyone aged 16 or older.
The State’s chief medical officer has urged parents of children aged 12 to 15 to get them vaccinated after the Government moved to extend the programme to younger teenagers.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has also clarified there was “absolutely no suggestion” that unvaccinated children could not return to school.
Hospital crowding and cancellations
University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has announced the temporary cancellation of all elective and outpatient services due to “exceptionally high” admissions at the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED).
A UHL spokesman urged those in its 400,000 catchment area, across Limerick city and county, Clare and north Tipperary, to consider other care options before attending the Limerick ED, such as local injury clinics, as the hospital “manages exceptionally high emergency presentations and admissions”.
All elective activity and outpatient clinics have been cancelled from Wednesday July 28th to Friday July 30th “in order to de-escalate the site and assist with patient flow”.
Pedestrian dies
A man in his 60s has been killed in Co Kildare after he was hit by a car.
The incident happened on the R407 between Clane and Kilcock at Mainham shortly after midnight.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while his body has been taken to Naas mortuary for a post-mortem.
