Ireland has reached a major milestone since the Covid-19 pandemic began three years ago, with PCR test centres set to officially close later this week.
According to the HSE, advice for the general public is also set to change from Thursday, March 30 with Covid-19 testing no longer recommended for most people. This updated advice means that testing centres across the country and the self-referral portal for ordering PCR tests will no longer be required, and both will be shut down.
Eileen Whelan, the national lead of the HSE’s Covid-19 test, trace and vaccination programme told RTE's Morning Ireland that from Thursday morning, PCR testing will no longer be required by the general public. She said: "This is the recommendation of our public health department. And this change has come about in line with the changes in the virus."
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Here's everything you need to know about which Dublin Covid-19 testing facilities will close from tomorrow:
- National Show Centre, Swords;
- Aston Quay
- Boole House, Clonskeagh
Unit 1 Alexander House, Belgard Square North in Tallaght
The HSE National Director for Public Health, Dr John Cuddihy, said that the changes are being made "on best available evidence in relation to managing Covid-19".
He said that if people have Covid-19 symptoms or other viral respiratory tract infections, they do not need a Covid-19 test and should instead stay at home and limit their contact with others until 48 hours after the symptoms have resolved. Among the updated advice was an end to required antigen testing for Health Care Workers who are household close contacts.
With this new advice, the current antigen-ordering portal on HSE.ie will also close. Eileen Whelan explained that "a reduced contact tracing service will remain" and contact tracing will be limited to those who have had a positive test in settings and scenarios like hospitals and long term care facilities where further transmission is likely.
Doctors in hospitals and in general practice settings will continue to use PCR and antigen testing to diagnose patients and decide what the best care is for each patient.
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