Covid testing now ‘every second day’

The COVID-19 test centre at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan Town is now only operating every second day, or depending on demand.

The drive-through test centre, replaced the initial testing set-up previously located at the former dispensary in Ballyhaise.

The new facility, which has been fully operational since March 19, has the capacity to swab 20 cases per hour in its two-lane system.

At any one time, the site has around 10 medical and administrative staff on-site, including four testers working at two bays, and a clinical lead.

Staff working at the centre are also provided with their own separate washing facilities in the back rooms of Kingspan Breffni.

The set-up is located in the rear carpark of Kingspan Breffni, with patients attending have been referred by their GP.

The centre is for drive-in appointments only, and no walk-in testing is provided.

A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed that testing clinics taking place on site are “typically scheduled every second day” or carried out “depending on demand".

The public from Co Cavan can also attend testing clinics in neighbouring counties “if that is more convenient”.

People who suddenly experience one or more symptoms - fever, cough, or shortness of breath - “without cause” are still being told to self-isolate to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

They are being told to phone their GP to discuss the symptoms and establish if they need to be tested.

If a person has been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus, they will be phoned by the contact tracing team who will arrange to schedule a test.

People in contact with a confirmed case of Coronavirus will still be tested even if they have not developed symptoms.

The HSE has accepted that no test is 100% accurate. “All tests have limitations. This is the same with the test for coronavirus.”

The test will find the virus in most people who have symptoms.

“But in some cases it may not pick up that you have the virus. Some cases of coronavirus will be missed.”

Most people will get their test results back within three days, but it can take longer.

People who have been tested are being told to continue to self-isolate while they wait for results.

Patients who are most ill and in hospital are being prioritised. They will get their results within 12 to 24 hours.