Two-day walk-in Covid testing centre to open in Westport

AN additional ‘pop-up’ Covid-19 testing centre will be available in Westport town this Friday (July 30) and Saturday (July 31).

The pop-up test-site will offer free testing without appointment from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. at Scoil Phádraig, Newport Road, Deerpark East, Westport, F28 VO23.

Professor Breda Smyth, Director of Public Health Medicine, HSE West, stated: “There has been a significant rise in Covid cases in the Westport area in the past 10 days. The 14-day incidence is currently 740 per 100,000, the highest rate across Galway, Mayo and Roscommon.

“I would urge people with symptoms to stay home, self-isolate and contact your GP. For anyone without symptoms who feel they may have been exposed to Covid-19 or would like a Covid test, the pop-up test centre is open at Scoil Phádraig.

“I would urge all residents and visitors to Westport to wear a mask in crowded areas and avoid crowded areas if possible.

“Finally, vaccination is our best protection against Covid-19. It is currently available to all over the age of 16 years.”

The free testing service can be used:

· By all ages (adults and children – A parent or guardian must give consent for a child under 16 to have a Covid-19 test and there must also be an accompanying adult present when a child under 16 has a test)

· If you have not tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 9 months - only get another test if you have symptoms of Covid-19

· Important: If you have Covid-19 symptoms, the best way to get a test is through a GP – any GP or Westdoc can arrange this test for you, it doesn’t have to be your own GP – your test and GP. Assessment will be FREE of charge.

Anyone presenting for the walk-in testing must:

- bring a photo ID and

- provide a mobile phone number to get their test results.

This is part of a planned roll-out of walk-in testing in several parts of the region in recent weeks, and has been planned by the HSE Public Health West, the National Ambulance Service and is supported by Community Healthcare West and Mayo County Council.

t’s now also possible to make your own appointment for testing at the existing static Covid-19 test site in MacHale Park, Castlebar. You can book at https://covid19test.healthservice.ie/hse-self-referral/.

Social distancing measures will apply as people attend for testing. If the waiting times are too long for you, you are welcome to return at another time or day.