PCR testing numbers decline under new rules

5,767 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 yesterday.

The numbers attending the Cavan Covid Testing Centre at Castlesaunderson have fallen dramatically following the recent introduction of new rules that only those over age 40 with symptoms require a PCR test.

Anyone aged between 4 and 39 with symptoms is currently being told to self-isolate immediately and take regular antigen tests instead of booking a PCR test.

If they have a positive antigen test - then they should book a PCR test to confirm.

However, if they have repeated 'not detected' antigen tests, health officials say they should still self-isolate for 48 hours after the symptoms have gone.

Yesterday (Wednesday, January 19) the Health Protection Surveillance Centre announced it had been notified of 5,767 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

In addition, on Monday, January 17, close to 6,000 people had registered a positive antigen test via the newly established HSE portal.

There are currently close to 1,000 patients being treated for Covid in hospitals across Ireland, of which 93 are in ICU.

According to the HSE, between January 10-16, more than 2,400 people were referred for testing in Cavan.

Of that, 2,094 attended their appointments, the number arriving at Castlesaunderson trailing off from a height of 469 for testing on Sunday, January 10, to just 95 on Sunday, January 16.

A total of 191 did not attend their appointments.

Just over 2,000 people were referred for testing in neighbouring Co Monaghan between January 10-16.

Over that period, numbers dropped from 418 being tested on Sunday, January 10, to just 78 being tested on Sunday, January 16.

Some 191 did not attend their scheduled swabbing appointment.