More pop up testing in Athlone

A HSE Pop-Up Testing Centre will operate in Athlone, on the former St Aloysuis College site, Deerpark Road from 10am - 4pm commencing next week, two days each week, for three weeks.

The dates are Tuesday, July 6; Friday, July 9; Tuesday July 13; Friday, July 16, Tuesday, July 20 and Friday, July 23.

The HSE, in a statement, said the Department of Public Health in the Midlands continues to investigate cases of COVID in the Athlone area. The cases are ‘Probable Variants of Concern’ (PVOC’s) which are highly likely to be the Delta variant. The Delta variant is fast becoming the most common circulating COVID variant in Ireland.

In order to minimise the impact of the fourth wave of COVID, the HSE is advising:

· If you have symptoms, even minor upper respiratory symptoms, please get tested.

· Do not go to work if you have symptoms, isolate yourself and arrange to get tested.

· When out socialising, at work or playing sport, keep your distance from others and if that is not possible, please wear a face covering.

· Take up the offer of vaccination as soon as you are invited to attend

Those who are particularly vulnerable need to continue to protect themselves again Covid 19 until they have been fully vaccinated.