Covid-19 walk-in test centre to open in Navan

With Meath rates of Covid-19 remaining alarmingly high, the HSE is opening a walk-in testing centre at Navan O’Mahonys GAA club, Brews Hill for five days from this Thursday.

The temporary walk-in testing centre will allow people who don’t have symptoms of Covid-19, to get a free test for the virus, without having to contact their GP first.

The move comes at a time when Navan has the fourth highest 14-day incidence rate of the virus per 100,000.

Navan had 138 new cases in the fortnight up to Monday of last week, an incidence rate of 395.1 per 100,000.

There have been 420 confirmed cases in county Meath in the past two weeks and the incidence rate is 215.3 per 100,000, well above the national average of 163.7

The HSE aims to carry out 300-500 Covid-19 tests per day at the walk-in centre, working with the National Ambulance Service.

Testing will take place from 11am to 7pm each day.

Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East said: “As an area with the fourth highest 14-day incidence rate 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.”

“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.

To avail of a walk-in test you must be 16 years or over and must not have symptoms.

Each person presenting will be requested to provide ID, for example, valid passport or passport card, current driving licence, public services card, Garda national age card, free travel pass, student card or bank card.

Mr Joseph Ruane, Head of Primary Care Services,  HSE Midlands Louth Meath, said around one in five people currently 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.”

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 areas 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 have to 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 – they should instead isolate and contact their GP.