01
APR
2021

HSE Covid-19 Walk in Testing Clinic open in Navan: 1st April to 5th April

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A Covid-19 walk-in testing centre for people with no symptoms will ve open in Navan, at Navan O’Mahonys GAA Club, Brews Hill this Thursday April 1st for 5 days until April 5th from 11.00am to 7.00pm each day.

 

The HSE’s regional Public Health Department and Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) working with the National Ambulance Service aim to carry out 300-500 Covid-19 tests per day.

The temporary walk-in testing centre will allow people, who don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, to get a free COVID-19 test without having to contact their GP first. It is hoped that this initiative will assist in hunting down the virus.

“I am delighted that Navan is one of the towns chosen for a ‘walk-in, no appointment necessary’ COVID-19 testing centre” said Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East.

“As an area with the fourth highest 14 day incidence rate per 100,000, there is a higher possibility that people may have had some exposure to risk of contracting Covid-19 that they are concerned about. The test will serve to allay their concerns and will provide easy access to testing for our vulnerable communities” explained Dr Pereira.

“Increased community testing is vital to help identify those who are infected and infectious, but unaware that they might be spreading the virus. We want to make testing as accessible as possible and I would urge local people to get a free test and help us take control of this situation.” explained Dr Pereira.

The criteria for the free walk-in COVID-19 testing service are:

  • Aged 16 years and over
  • Do not have symptoms of Covid-19 but would like to be tested
  • May not have your own GP
  • Live within 5K of the walk-in testing centre.

 

Process for Referral

Each person presenting will be requested to provide ID e.g.

  • A valid passport (passport book or passport card)
  • A current driving licence (Irish, UK, EU, US)
  • A Public Services Card
  • A National Age Card (issued by An Garda Síochána)
  • An identification form with a photograph signed by a member of An Garda Síochána
  • Free Travel Pass
  •  A valid student identity card issued by an educational institution
  • A bank card

 

Mr Des O’Flynn, Chief Officer, HSE Midlands Louth Meath, explained currently around 1 in 5 people have COVID-19 without having any symptoms.

“Testing people with no symptoms will help find positive cases earlier and allow these people take the necessary action to protect others. This will help us break chains of transmission” he added.

Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Jackie Maguire added “We are pleased to cooperate with the HSE on the opening of this walk-in testing centre which will allow people in Navan and surrounding area’s to get free tests without an appointment. I want to thank everyone for playing their part in tackling the spread of the virus and would urge you to continue to follow public health advice and adhere to the government guidelines.”

Members of the public will need to bring with them photographic ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results. The normal social distancing measures will apply and people have the option to return at another day or time if the waiting times are too long.

The public are being advised that they should not attend the walk-in clinic if they are showing symptoms (high temperature, a new cough, shortness of breath or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste) of COVID-19.  The HSE are continuing to advise people with these symptoms to self-isolate and phone their GP straight away, who will advise if they need a free COVID-19 test.

 

Source: https://www.meath.ie/council/news/hse-covid-19-walk-in-testing-clinic-to-open-in-navan

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