18th August, 2021: A free ‘walk-in and online self-referral’ COVID-19 testing site at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Market Road, Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan, H18 VK77 will open for 2 days on Friday, August 20th and Saturday, August 21st, as COVID-19 cases remain high in Monaghan.
Opening hours are:
Friday, August 20th 10am – 6pm
Saturday, August 21st 10am – 6pm
People have the option to book an appointment online for a free COVID-19 test on the HSE online self-referral portal: https://covid19test.healthservice.ie/hse-self-referral/, or attend the pop-up test centre in Monaghan Town without an appointment and wait for a COVID-19 test. The online booking facility for the pop-up COVID-19 test centre in Monaghan Town helps to manage the numbers of people attending for a test at any time and minimises the length of time people may have to wait for their test.
The free ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 test centre in Monaghan Town is open to members of the public of any age. Members of the public will need to bring a photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.
The Department of Public Health, HSE North East have seen the number of COVID-19 cases in Monaghan remain high in recent weeks and in particular in the Monaghan and Ballybay-Clones Local Electoral Areas (LEAs).
The latest figures, covering the 14 day incidence during 27/07/2021 to 09/08/2021, reported the electoral areas in Monaghan LEA with an incidence rate of 868 cases per 100,000 of population and Ballybay-Clones with an incidence rate of 712.8 cases per 100,000 of population. This compares to a national incidence rate of 422.5/100,000 of population.
Dr Keith Ian Quintyne, Director of Public Health (Acting) with the Department of Public Health, HSE North East, said: “Two of our LEAs – Monaghan and Ballybay-Clones are amongst the top 15 LEAs (out of 166 LEAs) for 14 day incidence per 100,000 population. The incidence rate in the Monaghan LEA is double the national rate. With the current high incidence rates in the Monaghan area, social gatherings outside Public Health guidelines are having significant knock-on effects in the community, including in workplaces.”
“We are hopeful we will break the chains of transmission in the community with the help of the public availing of the walk-in and self-referral test centre in Monaghan Town and adhering to Public Health guidelines.”
“I would like to appeal to everyone, even if you are vaccinated to continue following Public Health guidelines. Please don’t drop your guard, people in all age groups are at risk of becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19. If you have any cold or flu symptoms, please access a free COVID-19 test and self-isolate.”
Dr Quintyne added: “I would appeal to the age cohorts who can register on the vaccination portal – please take up the opportunity of getting vaccinated.”
Gerry Clerkin, Acting Chief Officer Community Healthcare Organisation Area 1 (Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo) said: “The rollout of vaccines is key in protecting people against COVID-19. Testing and, in particular, walk-in test centres remains an important part of the HSE’s response to COVID-19. I would urge people in the Ballybay-Clones and Monaghan electoral areas in particular to avail of the pop up testing facility at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Monaghan Town. Availing of COVID-19 testing, even when you don’t have symptoms, helps us to stop further spread of COVID-19 and protects our communities. Testing at the pop-up centre at St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Monaghan Town is safe, fast and accessible and, more importantly, you can protect those around you by taking the necessary public health measures if you receive a positive COVID-19 test result.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Monaghan County Council, Paul Clifford said: “COVID-19 is still with us, and the recent spike in case numbers in Monaghan must act as a warning. We all have to take personal responsibility. We must still remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health guidelines. COVID-19 testing is continuing in Monaghan Town this weekend, with no appointment needed for those attending the pop-up test centre at the St. Joseph’s Pastoral Centre in Monaghan Town. I would encourage anyone who feels that they may need a test to avail of this free service.”
Up to date information on the location and opening days and times of COVID-19 walk-in test centres is available at COVID-19 walk-in test centres: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/covid-19-walk-in-test-centres.html
By Majella Boyd Fri 20th Aug
