A senior medical scientist in the midlands says, combined with compliance with covid guidelines, we could return to normality.
Developing rapid testing - along with high compliance with covid-19 guidelines - can help get Ireland back open.
Mark McKeon, a senior medical scientist at Mullingar Regional Hospital, says the process hasn't been used enough to be fully sure of its effectiveness - but that it could be used to reduce the burden on hospital labs.
It's involves an on-the-spot nasal swab, which would take 15 minutes to produce a result - and could be used by GPs, pharmacists or at social events.
It comes after the organisers of Electric Picnic said the festival will go ahead next year, as they expect more widespread testing by then.
Two Offaly Women Selected For National Nature Restoration Portrait Series
Westmeath Town Band Opens Recruitment To New Members
Laois Disability Centre Fails HIQA Inspection In Four Regulation Areas
Offaly Community Group Aims To Support Young People’s Physical And Mental Health
New Brian Cowen Biography To Be Launched In Offaly Tonight
Midlands Homelessness Figures Record Slight Monthly Increase
Credit Union Lending Surges As Mortgage Growth Continues Amid Merger Wave
37% Of People Aged 25 To 64 In The Midlands Leave School Without Third-Level Education