A number of Covid-19 cases have been confirmed at student accommodation near University College Cork (UCC), it has been revealed.

The university said cases have been detected in households in UCC Campus Accommodation, which will remain open.

The cases come amid an increase of Covid-19 across Cork in recent days, particularly in Cork City.

A spokesperson for UCC said:

“Following the increase in confirmed cases across Cork in recent weeks, some confirmed cases have occurred in certain households in UCC Campus Accommodation.

“The HSE has undertaken a public health risk assessment of the situation, and those who would have been deemed close contacts are being contacted and advised accordingly. UCC has a support network in place for any students who may require assistance.

“UCC Campus Accommodation remains open, enhanced cleaning protocols will continue and UCC will continue to work closely with HSE public health and implement any precautionary measures advised,” he added.

"For reasons of patient confidentiality, UCC cannot disclose details of individual cases or particular locations. 

"HSE Public Health have advised that the rate of cases is comparable to the rate of cases generally in the community."

The Cork South Central ward has reported the highest incidence rate of Covid-19 in recent days.

The latest Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) figures on the 14 day incidence of confirmed cases of Covid-19 revealed that the area has the highest incidence of coronavirus in the city between September 22 and October 5 with 240.5 per 100,000.