COVID-19 rapid testing should be rolled out immediately – Doherty

Following the publication of the Expert Report on COVID-19 Rapid Testing, Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty has called for its immediate introduction across a wide range of Irish society.

Senator Doherty said the rollout of rapid antigen testing would benefit workplaces, schools, the health service, sport, and sectors such as hospitality and aviation as they begin to reopen.

“The endorsement of rapid antigen Covid testing is a hugely welcome one and is another tool and support measure that can and should be used against the spread of this awful disease.

“The support of rapid testing has now been signed off by the majority of the experts on the panel, and this should be enough to begin an immediate rollout.

“The report recommends that testing pilots should quickly be established across key sectors, aiding their reopening in the coming weeks and months. Antigen testing is already in use across a number of key sectors including transport and logistics. Currently, there is a large pilot on rapid testing in meat processing plants with more than 20,000 tests a week being administered.

“Efficient mass-testing as we reopen, complementing all other public health measures, could provide for greater protection in sectors and industries that have not been allowed to remain open at periods of increased restrictions,” Senator Doherty said.