Lockdown Effect: STDs are expected to drop

Officials said the rates of sexually transmitted diseases dropped due to the Covid-19 lockdown effect.

The health department believes the shutdown of nightclubs and pubs, including party resorts are the major factor influencing in the decline of STDs.

Experts track statistics to determine the impact of the lockdown on public health, with close monitoring of disease levels like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes, and chlamydia.

Since 2013 the annual detection rates of all five of the most prevalent STDs in Ireland have increased significantly. Ireland had 339 HIV cases in 2013 but in 2018 it rose to 523.

An increase in STD detection levels usually occurs from January to March. In these months the lockdown was introduced which slowly decreased the figure for this year.

The officials say the recent increase in STD levels has been due to the extended screening hours and further monitoring.

It is further believed that individual health awareness due to the Covid-19 pandemic will help prevent the spread of other diseases.

However, due to the lockdown, house parties have increased more and alcohol consumption has increased, which may lead to other illnesses.