HSE to use Croke Park as Covid-19 testing facility

Croke Park is to be turned into a temporary Covid-19 testing facility from Tuesday, according to the HSE

According to reports, those with appointments will travel to Croke Park where they will be tested and will then leave immediately.

“Arrangements are at an advanced stage for other designated testing centres within north Dublin, and these will commence over the coming days,” said a spokesperson.

Residents also received a letter informing them of the plans.

”Following a high-level request from the HSE today and in the national interest, Croke Park is to become a drive-thru facility for testing for Covid-19 for designated appointments.

“This will not be a walk-up service. The stadium layout has been identified as being suitable for facilitating this important service at this time.  s soon as we have further information, we will share with you.”

People will reportedly be able to drive their car into the stadium’s tunnel, where they will then be tested without having to exit their vehicle.

New cases

It comes as 54 new cases were announced on Monday night, with the HSE saying we could have as many as 15,000 cases by the end of March.

The newly-diagnosed cases consist of 30 men and 24 women.

Forty-one are associated with the east of the country, 11 in the south and two are in the north/west of the country.

So far, two people have died from coronavirus in Ireland.

Irish citizens are being urged not to travel abroad before March 29, including to England.

??We are now advising against all non-essential travel overseas at least until March 29

Additional information including details on contacting the Department or your local Irish Embassy or Consulate can be found at: https://t.co/9rFAt3sNsG#TravelAdvice pic.twitter.com/Tq7lDk3P0g

— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) March 16, 2020

Tánaiste Simon Coveney has revealed that all people coming into Ireland will also be asked to limit their social contacts for two weeks.

“Non-essential travel effectively means people who are choosing to go overseas and don’t need to, they shouldn’t be doing it. That is now our clear health advice and also travel advice,” he said. “We can’t be sure they’ll get back.”