Walk-in centres must reopen as thousands unable to book PCR tests

By
Michael Malone
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galway daily news Just one COVID patient in the ICU at University Hospital Galway

Galway City Councillor Eddie Hoare has called for walk-in COVID-19 test centres to be reopened due to the number of people unable to book tests through the HSE website.

Many people have been unable to book PCR tests through the online portal since late last week, and the Fine Gael councillor says that the walk-in centres should be reopened for the ‘next number of weeks’.

Appointments are unavailable for many test centres across Ireland during the day, with a limited number of appointments at some centres only becoming available after midnight.

But Paul Reid, Chief Executive of the HSE, says that the “vast majority” of people who want a test are getting one – despite thousands complaining that they have been unable to book a test in recent days.

Senior Lecturer in Law at NUI Galway Dr Shivaun Quinlivan says that Mr Reid’s comments were ‘not accurate’, with 0 appointments available at either test centre in Galway for three days in a row.
Renowned Galway chef JP McMahon also said that the HSE chief was not telling the truth, with none of his staff who are close contacts or testing positive on antigen tests able to book an PCR test.
McMahon said earlier today that the government needs to change the rules regarding isolation for those who are double vaccinated as it is causing havoc with staffing.
He said that he is one staff member away from closing his Michelin starred restaurant Aniar.

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