A Westmeath doctor is responding to the policy change.
All close contacts of people who have contracted coronavirus will be tested from today - even if they're symptom-free.
The change in policy now involves the patient's close contacts being tested from the day they are confirmed positive, and then again, seven days later.
Doctor Deirdre Forde, a GP at Céile Medical in Athlone, says the ramp-up will likely lead to an increase in confirmed cases, but says it's a sensible move to contain the virus.
She explains some of those who are defined as close contacts:
Laois TD Voices Concern Over Appeal For Proposed Windfarm
HSE Still Formally Settling Offaly Hospice Dispute
Weeklong Heatwave Hits Midlands
Uisce Eireann Agree To Examine Pipeline Solution For Westmeath Town
Offaly's Comhaltas President Meets King Charles In Belfast
Laois TD Demands Deer Be Tested For TB
Health Minister Opens Newly Extended ED Department In Laois
New Local Link Nightime Buses Needed For Laois Town
Gardai Awarded With Scott Bravery Medals
Rainbow Bridge Pet Cremation Bringing Comfort To Laois Pet Owners
Occupied Territories Bill Nears Cabinet Amid Calls For Faster Action
Ballyfin Vintage Rally Set For Weekend Return
New Book On Serial Fraudster Set To Be Released
Alleged Arson At Sushi Restaurant Examined In Court Proceedings
Westmeath Man Is Over €146k Richer After Winning The Lotto
Inquest Finds No Further CCTV Footage Of Offaly Prisoner's Death In Cloverhill
Irish Guide Dogs Celebrates 50 Years With Midlands Events
Garda Treated Wife Like 'Chattel' During Years Of 'Controlling And Coercive' Behaviour
Grass And Meadow Management Programme Enhances Laois Public Spaces
Midlands MEP Seeks Talks With Health Minister Over Brazilian Beef In School Lunches