Three new Covid-19 test centres to open this week, HSE says

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is planning to open three additional Covid-19 test centres this week in response to a high level of demand for the service in recent weeks.

Online self-referral appointments for PCR tests were not available in a number of counties on several days last week, due to demand outstripping capacity.

Government figures show that for the 24 hours up to Friday, 32,056 tests were carried out.

Over the past seven days to Friday, there were 214,294 tests carried out, of which 14.7 per cent were positive.

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In response to the increased demand for testing, a spokesman for the HSE said it is planning to open an additional testing centre in Athlone GAA club on Monday.

“In addition, we are planning to provide two more Covid-19 testing centres in the eastern part of the country on Tuesday and Wednesday,” he said.

The spokesman said they hope to confirm details about the two testing centres on Monday.

“These centres will give the public additional options when they are booking appointments for tests online,” he added.

“We have seen a sustained high demand for Covid-19 testing at our community testing centres in the last number of weeks in particular. This reflects the high prevalence of the disease and other illnesses at this time.”