A process must be put in place to allow people to report a positive antigen test through their GP, or the Covid Tracker app, a former mayor of the city has said.
The shortage of antigen tests in the community; the recently introduced changes to PCR testing; and above all, sharp rise in cases caused by the Omicron variant of Covid-19 means “some way of measuring the level of infection in the community” is vital according to Labour Galway City West councillor, Niall McNelis.
As a result, he is calling for the distribution of free Antigen tests with priority given to healthcare workers; for employers to accept positive antigen tests for staff being absent from work, and with entitlement to sick pay; a process for registering a positive antigen test with the public health authorities.
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The new advice is for people aged under 39 to self-isolate and use antigen tests. However, Cllr McNelis [pictured above] said the changes are “causing confusion”.
“The same young people we are asking to self-isolate will have to go to a shop or pharmacy to get tests if they are symptomatic,” he said. “The Minister should immediately commit to providing these for free and getting tests out as quickly as possible to people who need them.”
He said those with symptoms who are excluded from testing, and who still get a negative antigen test, should still be allowed to get a PCR test to confirm if they have or don't have the virus after a set time point.
