Not everyone with symptoms will be tested for COVID-19; plans to impose 17-day quarantine

DUBLIN: The HSE says it may have to stop offering a COVID-19 testing to everyone with symptoms in the coming weeks due to severe pressure. HSE says not everyone who is suspected of having a COVID-19 infection can be tested. The idea is to introduce targeted tests for specific groups, including the elderly.

“This is in response to the very high rates of positive tests seen over recent days, and the widespread increase in infections in our communities nationwide. This is a temporary measure and we will revert to testing close contacts as the third wave comes under control. The testing capacity is for 25,000 tests per day. 40pc of tests in recent weeks were on close contacts,” Dr. Nuala O’Connor of the Irish College of General Practitioners said.

The health officials in Ireland reported 4,962 new COVID-19 yesterday. It is in this context that the HSE decision was made. The current practice is to refer anyone with symptoms of the virus for testing. HSE sent a letter to the GPs indicating that this practice was being changed. In a letter to GPs, Dr. O’Connor said: “It is possible in the coming weeks that we may revert to targeted testing of symptomatic groups rather than testing everyone with symptoms as we did in the first phase of the pandemic.”

Close contacts will continue to be identified via a phone call to those who test positive by a contact tracer from the HSE. Close contacts who are officially identified will receive a test message from HSE. The letter explains that they should not be examined, but instead stay at home / restrict movement for 14 days from the date of contact with the person with COVID-19 infection.

The HSE says that if you are found to be in contact with a COVID-19 infected person, you should isolate yourself for 17 days and restrict your movements. If a family member who is unable to isolate himself / herself is a child or an adult, the entire family must remain at home for 17 days if they have close contacts with the person with COVID-19.

The letter also reveals that 25% of people who test positive are not answering the call from public health staff asking for a list of their contacts. “At least five attempts are made over two days. Additional efforts are also made to identify correct phone numbers for all cases. Incorrect phone numbers are a part of this problem so please try to make sure that you have the correct mobile phone number for all of your patients,” Dr. O’Connor said.

HSE urged everyone in Ireland to stay at home, and to act effectively as every individual may develop COVID-19.