Independent TD for Kildare South, Dr. Cathal Berry has welcomed the new walk-in Covid-19 testing hub that has been set up in Naas Racecourse. The testing hub which opened today, does not require people to be referred by their GP and no fee applies for tests. Those with symptoms of Covid-19 are still encouraged to book a test through their GP.
Dr. Cathal Berry commented, “It’s fantastic to see the National Ambulance Service, HSE and volunteers from the community here at Naas Racecourse today. There are so many people already queuing up to get tested. It is a brilliant concept, and it is working well all over the country. From what I have heard so far, approximately between 1.5 and 3% of the community population have COVID-19 but they are completely asymptomatic so it’s really important that these people can be identified as soon as possible. It is great for people’s peace of mind that if they test positive, they can be made aware of it so they are not putting their family, friends or work colleagues at risk. It’s a great day for Kildare because you can get tested here at Naas Racecourse, your swab is actually analysed in the Enfer lab in Naas and you can get your results within 24 hours. It’s great to have a localised solution to a localised problem.”
Anyone attending the hub must be over the age of 16, live or work within 5km of the testing hub, bring photo ID and provide a phone number so they can be contacted with their results.
The new Covid-19 testing hub will carry out approximately 300-500 tests a day and will be open from 11am to 7pm for five days, until next Tuesday.
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