Free walk-in Covid test centre to open in Athlone this weekend

The HSE are to open a free walk-in Covid-19 testing centre in Athlone this Friday May 28.

The facility will be located at Athlone Primary Care Centre and will operate for three days. No appointment is necessary to avail of this free service.

The opening hours are as follows:

Friday, May 28 from 2pm-6pm.

Saturday, May 29 from 10am-6pm.

Sunday, May 30 from 10am- 6pm.

The temporary walk-in test centre in Athlone has been established in an effort to identity cases of Covid-19 and reduce further transmission in the community.

The facility is open to members of the public of any age with no symptoms and those who have symptoms or are close contacts. Members of the public will need to bring photo ID and provide a mobile phone number in order to provide test results.

Dr Una Fallon, Director of Public Health North Midlands, said: “This centre is an important part of our efforts to facilitate enhanced Covid-19 testing for our communities and I would encourage members of the public to avail of the service. Testing widely helps us to better understand the nature of transmission of the virus and prevent its circulation in the community.”

Des O'Flynn, Chief Officer with Midlands Louth Meath Community Healthcare Organisation said: "Walk-in test centres are an important part of the HSE's response to Covid-19 and I would urge people in the Athlone area to attend for a test which is quick and convenient. Availing of Covid-19 testing, even when you don't have symptoms, helps us to stop the further spread of Covid-19 and protects our communities."