He also said it is likely that rapid antigen testing will be deployed to test the close contacts of schoolchildren who test positive for Covid-19.Mr Donnelly said that schools remain lower risk environments but the Government and Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan are discussing this issue and he is keen to see this happen soon.
He added that it is "very encouraging" to see hospital cases stabilise and a steady reduction in ICU numbers. He said: "The real risk is this reservoir of cases begin to infect older people which would drive more serious illness." He was speaking ahead of a meeting between industry representatives and Government officials on Tuesday.
They should be free!!!!!
DonnellyStephen I don’t think medical tests can be carried out on children without a parent or guardian present. Under no circumstances should teachers or school staff be asked this. This is one step too far! I would rather restrictions on pubs, clubs & restaurants than this!
Stop wasting more money on covid. The hospital cases aren't even that high.. move on
‘Considering’ ‘soon’ ‘under review’ this is the language of this government. Antigen tests are invaluable. People can take a test in their own home before going anywhere to be sure they are safe for those they will meet. Been in use in U.K. for ages !
I’m assuming that we will now all get two each ?
Working in a couple different countries during the pandemic and everyone in the office and on site doing 2 Antigen tests a week before entering.Has kept the job open, people employed,food on the table for families and normality in ppls lives.Why the fuck are Ire so far behind
9 months late
Considering? Drive on and just do it
Jesus Christ!! propaganda machine's wheel are well and truly oiled. Scamdemic
I got them online after some googling but could not find them easily.. back in Italy any supermarket had them cheaper readily available on shelves.
Free in UK so why subsidised here, again Govt a joke
I just notified hse and DonnellyStephen that they can get fucked if I’m paying anything twords an antigen test it’s ther pandemic let them pay
Why not provide them with Vitamin d, to boost their natural immune systems over the long dark winter months?
Leave the kids alone most of them are immune anyway at this stage.
A lot of considerations and slow decisions by this government the virus is loving this
Subsidised There free in most European countries, what’s wrong with you man, free ones will pay for them selves 10 fold with less hospitalised people and all it entails.. more business for retail & hospitality services!!
No rush Stephen take your time. Only 20 months in.
They should be free to each person… I know people who are close contacts and the infectious person is out of isolation and the close contact still waiting on antigen tests to arrive.. (We went and bought some to do the right thing.. but not everyone has €25 to spend) a joke 🤷♀️
Sure just get two PCR tests like EamonRyan .. problem solved
Considering is it. We the little people should be so grateful to our leaders.
A year behind other countries in EU...wow!
Previously described as 'snake oil' by a senior NPHET member. This initiative is only 20 months too late. What next, Vitamin D for vulnerable people (proven, beyond any doubt at this stage, to be associated with much better Covid outcomes)? This minister for health is an idiot.
Test for what? Is there a cold going around?
At this stage I'm not playing your game. I'll dip it in water.
12 months too late.
Wasn't it only a few months ago they were reliable etc etc etc. Don't minds change very quickly.
This is long overdue