Professor of Microbial Disease in UCD Dr. Paddy Mallon is making the statement.
An infectious disease expert believes a number of factors could be contributing to disparity in covid-19 figures in the midlands.
Westmeath has the second highest number of cases per 100,000 people in the country - with 237 confirmed.
The next highest in the region is Offaly, with 144, and Laois has 101.
Dr. Paddy Mallon, Professor of Microbial Disease in UCD, largely puts that down to a higher rate of testing in Westmeath, and says there could be a higher proportion of healthcare workers living in the county.
He says it's worth noting when looking at figures that there was a backlog in testing but the level of detection has now increased:
Coronavirus: There are almost 3,000 tests being carried out daily! Find out more ⬇️ #COVID19 https://t.co/ICZFatFpL3
— Midlands103 (@Midlands103) April 15, 2020
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