The HSE has confirmed that close contact Covid-19 testing will resume from tomorrow (Friday).
People who are in close contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case will be tested at day five.
The programme was suspended on New Year’s Eve as the HSE reached full capacity for COVID-19 tests and needed to prioritise people who have symptoms.
HSE CEO Paul Reid today confirmed that close contacts will get one test, and the measure will be kept under review to assess whether double testing can be reintroduced.
Speaking at a HSE briefing, Mr Reid also noted the number of healthcare staff off-duty due to Covid-19 is down this week. The figure remains high at 5,500 absent, but it is greatly reduced from 6,600 last week.