Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2020
247. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if testing for Covid-19 at designated centres such as meat factories and direct provision centres is compulsory for all personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27587/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTesting for Covid-19 is not compulsory for anyone, regardless of location. Like all other COVID-19 measures, as a country we are completely reliant on the good will and solidarity of everyone to continue individually and collectively, to comply with all public health measures, including testing. I would again stress how important it is for everyone to follow the public health advice and get tested if you have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive.
The serial testing in meat and food processing facilities commenced on 21 August, starting in Kildare, Laois and Offaly, and was since expanded to food production facilities on a national scale. Up to 21st September, 18,420 tests have been carried out with 56 detected cases, this represents a positivity rate of 0.30%.
The HSE advised in relation to serial testing in food plants that in general, it is satisfied there is a high compliance rate when full account is taken of available staff due to shift patterns, exclusion of previous positives, staff on holiday or long-term leave and would like to acknowledge the support of the industry in for testing.
The schedule for the rollout of Direct Provision Centre testing on a nationwide basis commenced 12th September, with expected 500 tests per day 7 days per week. Up to 21st September, 2,518 tests were carried out with 7 detected cases, this represents a positivity rate of 0.28%.
The HSE has advised that management of serial testing of direct provision centres remains challenging as the complexities differ from the serial testing programmes which have been carried out to date. The concept of Direct Provision, as a service, is a highly sensitive and divisive concept, therefore any planning involving the testing of staff and residents of these direct provision sites must take into account the nature of this service and the associated nuances. With this in mind the working group set up to plan and oversee this programme have worked hard to ensure that all our communications for testing in congregated settings, whilst ensuring all the right information is contained, also strike the right tone. To date, the working group has overcome any challenges which have arisen.
