HSE and Dundalk Institute of Technology team up to deliver a drive-thru testing

Pat Bennett, Chief Officer, HSE Midlands, Louth and Meath said,

“We would like to acknowledge the tremendous support that we have got from our local communities as we implement the government action plan in response to Covid19. We can’t stop the virus, but together, we can reduce the impact it has on ourselves, our families, communities, our health service and our day-to-day lives. Our goal is to slow the spread of coronavirus. If we can slow it down, we give ourselves, and our most vulnerable people, more options and more time for care and recovery. Our collective efforts are critical, we need to do this together, as one community. We will be asking everyone to play their part, to help each other.”

Michael Mulvey, DkIT President added,

“We are pleased to support the HSE’s national response to this pandemic. In these extraordinary times, we rely on the Trojan efforts of our health workers and wider health service more than ever. The institute will continue to provide assistance to the HSE in whatever practical way that we can. We also call on our DkIT Community and the wider public to continue to play their part in helping to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by adhering to HSE guidelines, particularly in relation to social distancing.”

In the new drive–thru centres at no stage will visitors to the centres leave their car. Once checked in at the entrance, visitors will be provided with a face mask, tissues and disposable bag and directed to a test bay attended by healthcare workers wearing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). At this point, visitors will be asked to blow their nose and dispose of the tissue in the bag provided. A throat and nose swab will then be taken and the visitor will leave the facility and return to self-isolation.

The HSE has appealed for the privacy of those staffing and visiting the centres to be respected.

Further information on Testing for Covid-19 at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing.html#home

In the interest of health and safety, the DkIT campus remains closed to students until further notice and teaching and learning continues to be delivered remotely. DkIT staff may gain access to the campus in exceptional circumstances for a limited period only and in accordance with approved social distancing guidelines.

All press enquiries should be directed to the HSE National Press Office:

The National News and Media team deals with queries from the media in relation to the national health services from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Media can contact us on 01 921 3912 or by email to press@hse.ie Media can also visit our dedicated Media Centre pages on this site - www.hse.ie/media

Please remember our key advice in any reproduction of this Press Release

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, and do it often. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, then bin the used tissue. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.  Stop hugging and shaking hands, and as we all know now, the big nights out and the big nights in are cancelled for now – work at home if you can.

Stay at home if you have symptoms and get the advice you need on HSE.ie.

Need information and advice on COVID-19? Go to www.hse.ie/coronavirus