There are now 2 situations in which people will have a COVID test done in this current outbreak.
1 You have symptoms and so require a test.
2 You have been a close contact of someone who has now been diagnosed with COVID.
We are only able to order a test for people in the first category – ie those who have symptoms of COVID. We cannot order a test for the purposes of contact tracing and we would ask you not to call the surgery if you have no symptoms and are wanting to discuss contact tracing.
Here is a link to the HSE guidance on Contact tracing. If a person tests positive then they will look for people and places visited in last 24-48 hours depending on symptoms.
We would ask that all patients download the COVID Tracker App which will ensure that the contact tracing is made easier as this can recollect who you have been in contact with for more that 15 mins and so speed up contact tracing process.
If you have any of the following symptoms you should contact the practice
- New onset respiratory symptoms ( Any one of Fever, cough, Shortness of Breath)
- Sudden onset of anosmia(loss of smell), ageusia(loss of taste) or dysgeusia (distortion of sense of taste)
Here is a link to the current flowchart we are using.
If COVID is not detected then we recommend that you remain self isolated until 48 hours after your symptoms improve.