Additional pop up Covid-19 testing centers will be opened shortly in north Dublin city and West Dublin this week.
The new centers will offer free testing for anyone who are referred by a GP. The additional centers will increase the daily testing capacity in between 180 to 200. It runs in conjunction with the community testing center based at the National Show Center in Swords.
These centers will be open to public and anyone with a referral from the GP could get their test done here.
Other than these additional pop up centers, the HSE had managed to set up four new community testing centers as well to manage the local demand. Two of these community testing centers are in Dublin itself. The other two are set upped in Kildare and one in Portlaoise.
Throughout the country there are around 30 community centers along with mobile units for outbreak management and home testing, which is made accessible through the National Ambulance Centre.
The HSE has strictly said that those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, maintain good personal hygiene, eating healthy food, wearing mask, etc.
People who are tested positive contacted by the HSE team and their contacts will also be traced out by the contact tracing team. The primary contacts of those testing positive will be notified by the HSE and they have to limit their movements for 14 days and contacts along with monitoring their health.
Mellany McLoone, Chief Officer of CHO Dublin North City and County, said that these two pop up centers mean that anyone who has symptoms can call their GP to get a free test and quickly find out whether they have the virus and need to stay at home, or if they can safely return to their normal routine.
“I would like to convey our sincere thanks to Croke Park and the local residents for facilitating us to provide this very valuable service to our population.” She added.