Walk in Covid-19 test centre for Navan
A free walk-in COVID-19 testing site will open in Navan on Thursday in response to a worrying spike in infections in the area.
The facility at County Hall, Railway Street will operate for three days and no appointment is necessary.
There have been a number of outbreaks in recent weeks in Navan households, extended families, workplaces and following social gatherings, as well as a number of unrelated cases indicating a degree of community transmission.
“We have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in the Navan area in recent weeks. 75 per cent of cases in Meath are in the under 40 age group, mostly unvaccinated and a small number of these people are seriously ill,” says Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East.
“I am encouraging people in the Navan area, and especially anyone who is below the age of 40 who wouldn’t have had a vaccination yet to avail of this walk-in COVID-19 test centre.”
He explained they are investigating probable cases of the Delta variant in the county.
“Once the Delta variant gets into a community, it spreads much easier than we have seen previously. A more transmissible variant means there is a greater chance of outbreaks in communities among unvaccinated people, therefore a greater chance of people becoming seriously ill with this virus.”
Dr Pereira added: “It is really important that we continue to follow all public health advice in particular to avoid crowds, limit contacts, avoid meeting up indoors, wear a mask, wash hands frequently and work from home where possible. This includes people who are fully vaccinated and those waiting for their second dose of the vaccine.”
Des O'Flynn, Chief Officer with Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said: “Availing of COVID-19 testing, even when you don't have symptoms, helps us to stop the further spread of COVID-19 and protects our communities. Testing at the pop-up centre at County Hall, Railway Street in Navan is safe, fast and accessible – you do not need to book in advance and, more importantly, you can protect those around you by taking the necessary public health measures if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result.”
The centre is open Thursday from 1 to 7pm, Friday from 9.30am to 7pm and Saturday 9.30am to 6pm.
Members of the public will need to bring a photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Jackie Maguire added: “We would encourage anyone in the Navan and surrounding areas to take up this opportunity for free testing as it will help contain the spread of COVID-19. government guidelines.”