02 May Covid-19 pop-up and walk-in testing centers to open in Mayo

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has confirmed Covid-19 testing facilities will be enhanced in Mayo this coming week, with a pop-up centre planned at the Stephenites Ground, Ballina, opening from the 5th to 7th May, 11 am to 5 pm in line with public health and with similar pop-ups around the country.

Deputy Dillon said “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 HSE will also pilot a walk-in centre at Mc Hale Park Castlebar on Tuesday 5th May for 7 days, from 10 am to 5 pm. 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 7 days and will be subsequently reviewed after this period. The Mc Hale Park centre will still be open for COVID-19 testing on referral also”.

Deputy Alan Dillon added “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.”