Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Centre Opening In Offaly

Wednesday, 25 March 2020 10:51

It's in addition to clinics in Mullingar, Athlone and Longford.

A drive-thru COVID-19 testing centre is opening in Offaly.

The centre in Tullamore, which is in addition to clinics in Mullingar, Athlone, Longford and another drive –thru centre at the WM Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, will be operational in the coming days.

The sampling service is being provided on an appointment-only basis and only those who are displaying symptoms and have been referred (to the drive through) by their GP will be seen.

At no stage will visitors to the centres leave their car. Once checked in at the entrance, visitors will be provided with a face mask, tissues and disposable bag and directed to a test bay attended by healthcare workers wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

At this point, visitors will be asked to blow their nose and dispose of the tissue in the bag provided. A throat and nose swab will then be taken and the visitor will leave the facility and return to self-isolation.

Pat Bennett, Chief Officer, HSE Midlands, Louth and Meath said, “We would like to acknowledge the tremendous support that we have got from our local communities as we implement the government action plan in response to Covid19. We can’t stop the virus, but together, we can reduce the impact it has on ourselves, our families, communities, our health service and our day-to-day lives. Our goal is to slow the spread of coronavirus. If we can slow it down, we give ourselves, and our most vulnerable people, more options and more time for care and recovery. Our collective efforts are critical, we need to do this together, as one community. We will be asking everyone to play their part, to help each other.”

Pat Mooney, Head of Ambulance Service, Midlands Area said, “On behalf of the entire team that worked on this development, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the support we have received. To see how a community can work together in the interest of humanity and the delivery of patient care to the public at this time has been immense.”

The HSE has appealed for the privacy of those staffing and visiting the centres to be respected.

Further information on Testing for Covid-19 at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing.html#home

Advice from the HSE:

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and do it often. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, then bin the used tissue. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Stop hugging and shaking hands, and as we all know now, the big nights out and the big nights in are cancelled for now – work at home if you can.

Stay at home if you have symptoms and get the advice you need on HSE.ie.