A new drive through Covid-19 coronavirus test centre has opened at Galway Airport today, with the goal of testing 1,000 people a day.
The drive through test centre for the coronavirus is operating out of a hanger at the disused airport which is owned by the two Galway councils.
The Galway Airport test centre is the first new addition to the five pre-existing walk in clincs in the CHO2 area, which are strictly by GP appointment.
“When this centre is fully operational, it will have the ability to test up to 1,000 people every day,” a statement from Community Healthcare West to Galway Daily.
“It has been an enormous undertaking to get all sites, especially the Airport testing centre, up and running in a matter of days.”
The airport test centre sees people directed into the hangar in their cars, where a test swap is taken.
The Defence Forces have converted the hangar to accommodate nine cars at a time for this quick and simple process.
Testing is being done by appointment only through your GP, and people are advised that if they show up without an appointment, they will be turned away.
“Community Healthcare West is extremely grateful to Galway County Council, NUI Galway, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, the National Ambulance Service and our colleagues throughout the health services for their support, especially the Saolta University Health Care Group.”
“Lastly but by no means least, our own staff in Community Healthcare West have who have changed their working arrangements at short notice to work long hours, weekends and bank holidays.”
“There has been an unprecedented level of demand for tests, and we thank the people of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for their patience and understanding at this time.
“Many of those who attend for testing will have a negative result, however by ensuring testing occurs where needed, we will be in a position to provide services to those who need it most, and minimise the risk to our wider community.”
The government aims to have 34 test centres operation around the country in coming days.
One of those is a test centre which has been set up at the docks in Galway City by the Irish Naval Service, which is due to begin testing this week.
