Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
Over 800 people were tested by Tuesday afternoon in Ballinasloe over the Easter long weekend. The pop-up Covid-19 test centre was open from Good Friday 2nd April to Tuesday 6th April.
Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West also noted in a HSE video the excellent teams working together to set up this test centre and highlighted that
‘The first walk in test centre in the West was set up in Ballinasloe as there was concern about incident rates in the community’
Ballinasloe-based Senator, Aisling Dolan encouraged people to get tested
‘I went along on Friday morning to the Townhall carpark and did the test within 10 minutes and the results were back by text to my phone within a day – delighted to know it was negative.
It really was an excellent turn-around time and a great way to know that you’re safe and that you’re family and friends are safe too. Covid 19 impacts on people of all ages and particularly those with a vulnerable or under-lying condition.
This pop-up test centre is for anyone over 16, who doesn’t have any symptoms. In Ballinasloe the catchment area was 15 kilometres so people from all around Clontuskert, Ahascragh, Kilconnell, Moore, Taughmaconnell, Shannonbridge could all come for a test here.
The vaccination roll-out is ramping up with supply for the next few months however in the meantime it’s so crucial to keep washing hands, wearing a mask, 2m social distance, avoid meeting people, adhere to the guidelines and reduce the risk especially with more infectious strains in circulation. Soon we will be in a better and safer place for everyone.
I’d like to thank the schools and clubs that also encouraged young people to get tested and keep their families safe. And also to pay tribute to the excellent organisation between Community Healthcare West and the local paramedics from the National Ambulance Service as well as Civil Defence as well as Galway County Council and the Gardaí.’
