The Ministry of Health have updated the Covid-19 testing guidelines. You should get a test if you have symptoms;
We now have Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) available, which give you a result shortly afterwards. To get a RATs test call us for an appointment (093725005) at our drive through service at the rear of the clinic in Ostend;
Or if you prefer, you can order the RATs test for pick-up from a collection point, via the Ministry of Health website: https://requestrats.covid19.
If you test positive, you’ll need to follow the instructions and isolate for 10 days from first symptoms or from the date of your test.
When we are notified by the Ministry that one of our patients has tested positive to Covid, we will ring them and assess their needs. Needs range from not needing anything and ‘not unwell’, to someone with underlying conditions needing more support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do call reception on 093725005.
What does it mean if I am a Household Contact?
If you live with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 you must follow these steps (whether you are vaccinated against COVID-19 or not):
- Self-isolate from the day that the first person in your household receives their positive test result, until they complete their 10 days of self-isolation and are released.
- When the first case in your house gets to days 3 and 10 of their isolation, you need to get tested using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
- You can end your self-isolation on the same day as the first ‘case’ in the household, provided you have no new or worsening symptoms and your tests were negative.
- If symptoms develop at any stage, you need to get tested using a RAT.
- Avoid or minimise contact with the person with COVID-19 as much as possible during your isolation period.
The Ministry of Health website provides helpful information on COVID-19 and precautions you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
You can also visit the official COVID-19 website for additional information on testing.