Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
330. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to ensure patients at the highest risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19 have timely access to PCR testing to ensure that antiviral and monoclonal antibody treatments can be administered within five days of contracting the infection given the reduced capacity of testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36951/22]
View answerThe COVID-19 testing programme is transitioning towards a longer-term, sustainable model in which COVID-19 can be managed for public health and clinical purposes rather than the mass testing and tracing programme which has been in effect since early in the pandemic. The HSE continues to provide access to SARS-CoV-2 testing according to the prevailing public health advice.
PCR testing for public health purposes is currently advised for those most vulnerable to the effects of the disease. This includes:
- those aged 55 years and older who have not received a booster vaccination
- those with a high-risk medical condition
- those who are immuno-compromised
- those who provide care or support for a person they know to be immunocompromised
- those who are pregnant symptomatic healthcare workers
- those whose severe symptoms who require clinical assessment, and where testing is advised by their doctor
Individuals who have concerns about an underlying condition and/or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 should seek advice from their GP or treating clinician.
Public health advice regarding testing and tracing remains under continuing review under the guidance of the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and is subject to the evolving epidemiological situation, the impact of the disease on healthcare utilisation and outcomes, the vaccination status of the population, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) guidance and other international evidence and guidance.
