New walk-in Covid test facilities to be provided in Mayo
The HSE has announced its decision to provide walk-in Covid test facilities in Mayo from next week.
The existing test centre at MacHale Park in Castlebar will provide the service on a pilot basis for seven days from next Tuesday.
Members of the public will be able to attend for a test without a GP referral.
In line with public health policy to encourage people who are a-symptomatic in areas where there is a higher than normal number of outbreaks, a pop-up test centre is opening in Ballina for three days from next Wednesday.
The venue is Ballina Stephenities GAA Club.
People attending must be over 16, not have symptoms of the virus and have not tested positive in the past six months.
Attendees will be asked to provide photo ID and a mobile phone number.
The announcement has been welcomed by Deputy Alan Dillon and Deputy Dara Calleary.
In a statement, Deputy Dillon said Mayo confirmed the Ballina centre will opening from May 5 to 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in line with public health request and with similar pop-up’s around the country.
He stated: “The pop-up site in Ballina is being established to encourage local people who are a-symptomatic in areas where there are higher than normal incidence rates to have a Covid test carried out.
"Numerous Covid-19 pop-up and walk-in test centres have opened across Ireland and this is a positive step forward and will help to continue to drive down the numbers of new cases and stop the spread of the virus.
“The second facility will open as a pilot walk-in centre at MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Tuesday.
"This will allow the public without a GP appointment, who are a-symptomatic, to attend for a Covid-19 test. This pilot will initially occur for seven days and will be subsequently reviewed after this period.
"The MacHale Park centre will still be open for Covid-19 testing on referral also.
“I am aware that people are more likely to avail of a walk-in service if they have any doubts or concerns versus their unwillingness to place additional pressure on health services or GP’s by seeking a referral who very much support this model.
"The walk-in centres have raised awareness among communities as to the extent of Covid within their areas, as well as the need for people to come forward and get tested.
"I understand Public Health teams in the HSE are very clear that the centres have had a positive impact to help stop the further spread of Covid-19 and protects communities.”