Queues at new Navan walk-in test centre

Queues had formed at the new walk-in Covid testing centre at Navan O’Mahonys GAA club in Navan before it opened at 11am this morning .

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

The centre, which is open from 11am to 7pm each day, allows 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 temporary walk in testing centre will initially run for five days from today until Tuesday.

To avail of a test you must provide ID, for example, a valid passport or passport card, current driving licence, public services card, Garda national age card, free travel pass, student card or bank card.

You also have to be over 16 years.

Members of the public will have to provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results. The normal social distancing measures 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.

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

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.