COVID19 Testing- New Rules

NEW Rules for Testing for COVID19- 25TH March
New rules have been introduced for COVID19 testing which means patients will need to meet revised criteria to qualify in future.

You will NOT be tested unless you are in one of the following categories
a) Symptomatic close contacts of a confirmed case
b) Symptomatic healthcare workers

c) Symptomatic at risk groups that include persons with diabetes, immunosuppressed, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease and smokers

d) Symptomatic household contacts of at-risk groups

e) Symptomatic staff or residents in a long-term care facility

f) Symptomatic prison staff and inmates where it may be difficult to implement self-isolation advice

g) Symptomatic pregnant women* (*not because of a documented increase risk of complications but to ensure to safe clinical pathway of care)

If you DO NOT meet the criteria above and have symptoms please SELF ISOLATE for 14 days and assume you have it. Link here to self isolation guidelines https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/selfisolationathome/

All patients who have NOT yet been swabbed and do not have an appointment for a test date will NOT now be tested. Such patients will be required to reengage with their GP and the GP will triage the patient AGAIN in accordance with the new criteria a)-g)

IF YOU BECOME ACUTELY ILL CONTACT US ON 051 370057