The HSE is opening a free ‘online self-referral’ COVID-19 testing site at the HSE Premises, Donore Industrial Park, Donore Road, Drogheda, Co Louth which will operate for 2 days from Saturday 27th November to Sunday 28th November inclusive, in response to a significant rise in cases in the town and the wider area.
The Pop-up test centre will be at the HSE Premises at Donore Industrial Park, Donore Road, Drogheda A92DE03.
Opening hours are:
- Saturday 27th November 10am – 6pm (online self-referral only)
- Sunday 28th November 10am – 6pm (online self-referral only)
People can book an appointment online up to the end of the next day for a free COVID-19 test at the pop-up test centre in Drogheda.
The online booking facility for the pop-up COVID-19 test centre in Drogheda helps the HSE to manage the numbers of people attending for a test at any time and minimises the length of time people may have to wait for their test.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK A FREE COVID-19 TEST
The free ‘online self-referral’ COVID-19 test centre in Drogheda is open to members of the public of any age. You will need to bring photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.
Dr Augustine Pereira, Director of Public Health North East said: “COVID-19 is very much amongst us, and the recent spike in case numbers in Drogheda and Louth must act as a warning. It is important that as a community we work together to help bring the rate of transmission down.
“Drogheda has the highest incidence rate of COVID-19 in the country, with a rate of infection almost double that of the national average. In Drogheda Urban Local Electoral Area, 1 person in every 40 people has tested positive in the past two weeks. This represents significant force of the infection in our communities. This is a time we all need to pull together again.
“Surrounding local electoral areas also have a high incidence rates of the virus. Increased community testing is vital to help identify those who are infected and infectious, but unaware that they might be spreading the virus. This will help us break chains of transmission.”
“It is important for people with any symptoms of COVID-19, please isolate and seek a free PCR test. We are appealing to the public avail of the online self-referral pop-up test centre in Drogheda and adhere to public health guidelines, in particular to maintain social distancing, mask wearing, practicing hand hygiene and attention to maintain good ventilation.”
The HSE is advising people to make the necessary changes to help drive down the rate of transmission of the disease:
- Testing: If you have symptoms of Covid-19 you should isolate and book a PCR test online or contact your GP. You should NOT take an antigen test/ Antigen tests should be used only by those without symptoms as one of many measures to mitigate against Covid-19
- Masks: You should wear a mask whenever you are in crowded outdoor or indoor environments, including in shops, on public transport, in cinemas and theatres. It is very important that face masks are worn properly; covering the area from nose to chin
- Ventilation: open windows regularly to keep the air moving and blow the virus away
- Social Distancing: If indoors, keep your distance and avoid poorly ventilated spaces
- Contacts: Reduce or restrict your contacts
