Kingspan Breffni test site to open by Friday

The HSE has informed The Anglo-Celt a new testing site for patients suspected of having Covid-19 could be open as soon as tomorrow (Friday), March 27.

As reported first online and in this week's newspaper, the new “drive-through” testing centre is currently being established at the county GAA ground, Kingspan Breffni.

A request was made of the County Board by the HSE to use the Creighan site earlier week, as the Government follows through on a commitment to ramp up the level of testing nationwide in the coming days and weeks.

It initially had been expected that the new testing facility would be up-and-running by the middle of next week.

However, a spokesperson for the HSE informed the Celt that the centre would now be open and operation to test patients by this Friday.

At present the HSE and Department of Health have established two drive-thru test sites - at the former dispensary in Ballyhaise and at Cloghan GAA Park in Co Monaghan. The latter site is presently operation as a drive through testing site.

The Ballyhaise system currently sees patients waiting for swabs wait in their cars in the local church carpark before being called to attend the test site.

The new set-up to be located to the rear car park of Kingspan Breffni is expected to include two mobile testing units, with staff attending the centre to be provided with their own separate washing facilities in the backrooms.

Testing is now by way of GP referral only, and those coming for testing must have a GP referral and an appointment. It follows a raft of changes to the criterion for testing for the COVID-19.

Under new recommendations by the National Public Health Emergency Team people seeking testing for coronavirus will have to display two major symptoms rather than one before they are referred, following a major change in how those deemed suitable for testing are selected.

Up to now, patients presenting with either fever or cough were referred to the HSE, however the dramatic increase in demand saw up to 20,000 people a day seeking testing. The latest change is to address what has been described by Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan as “unfeasible and unsustainable”.

Both Cavan and Monaghan are still among the least affected counties in Ireland, with five or less confirmed cases in each.