The HSE says the announcement of a walk-in Covid test centre in Cavan town isn’t in response to “any one particular incident”.
From Friday, anyone in the county that isn’t displaying symptoms of the virus can avail of a free test.
Plans for a walk-in test centre at the Cavan Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre were unveiled this afternoon.
It’ll operate from 11am to 7pm daily, from Friday May 7th until Monday May 11th.
John Hayes, Chief Officer of HSE CHO1 says testing people who aren’t showing symptoms will help find positive cases earlier, and help to “break chains of transmission” in the community.
Calls for a walk-in centre in Cavan town had been made by local politicians, following concern of a confirmed outbreak at McCarron Meats processing plant.
It’s closed for one week to prevent further transmission of the virus.
McCarrens' owner Kepak has not responded to a request for comment from Northern Sound News.
Around 250 people are employed at the Cavan town site.
However, Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East says today’s decision comes from trends seen in Cavan-Belturbet over the last five weeks.
Local TD Brendan Smith told The Wider View that he was aware of discussions on opening a centre for some time, but the outbreak may have deciding factor.
The “no appointment necessary” testing is available to anyone over 16 who isn’t showing symptoms and hasn’t tested positive for Covid-19 in the last six months.
Anyone who has already scheduled a Covid-19 test is asked not to attend, and members of the public displaying symptoms should still arrange a test through their GP.
