DUBLIN: As the COVID spread continued sharply, six nuns succumbed to death following the COVID-19 infection in two weeks at Holy Order Convent in Newbridge, County Kildare.
There is also concern that the nuns and priests living in organised settings are not given priority over the COVID-19 vaccination. Meanwhile, the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer held discussions with the National Vaccine Advisory Committee this week about giving the vaccine to priests and nuns in the wake of numerous requests.
Religious communities in the area have been asked to distribute the vaccine by next week. It is proposed to hand over the details and numbers of those above 65 years of age.
At the same time, dozens of elderly retired nuns and priests are not on the vaccine priority list. COVID outbreaks were confirmed last year at centers where people between the ages of 80 and 90 were admitted, and many have since died.
David Ross, secretary general of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religions of Ireland, said that there is a great deal of concern about COVID deaths in the community. He said many priests and nuns still live in convents without nursing homes.
He added that the elderly are at higher risk for COVID-19 and the HSE should clarify when the vaccine will be available for them.
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