Families in Donegal are seeking answers over the lack of PCR test appointments in the region.
PCR tests for Covid-19 have been snapped up online at midnight each day this week, while GPs have been inundated with calls from patients seeking bookings.
A local man, who was symptomatic and tested positive on an antigen test this week, told Donegal Daily: “The tests are almost impossible to get, they go online at midnight, but by the time I get through to book, they were gone at 12.02am.
“It’s harder to get a test than Garth Brooks tickets.”
As of 9am this morning, there are no tests available in Donegal
Virginia Ihuarula, a mother in Portnablagh, said her family showed symptoms of Covid-19 four days ago, but have been unable to get PCRs. She first started trying to book on New Year’s Eve.
“The latest advice from NowDoc is not to ring them with non symptomatic Covid but book online PCR as needed, that’s fine but there hasn’t been a PCR test available to book in Donegal the past 4 days,” she said.
“We’ve had Covid symptoms so we are following all the isolation rules but have been unable to book PCR for any of family.
“NowDoc referred my daughter to A&E yesterday as they were concerned about her. She was fully checked over but the hospital wouldn’t do a PCR test as she wasn’t being admitted, but said it likely it was Covid and to go home, monitor and treat symptoms.
“At that stage antigen tests still negative though changed to positive after we got home.”
The HSE advice for people who register a positive result from an antigen test is to self-isolate and book a PCR test, but many are finding that this is not possible.
“Online PCR booking has no availability and even requesting an online antigen test says it will be 3-4 business days to arrive which seems very slow. If there is a capacity issue they should say so and let the public know,” Virginia said.
“Doctors and nurses are all doing a fantastic job under difficult circumstances but we need infrastructure and capacity increased for PCR testing to happen when needed.”
The Department of Health announced changes to the testing system this week to advise younger people age 4-39 with symptoms of COVID-19 to take regular antigen tests instead of booking a PCR test. If they have a positive antigen test – they then should book a PCR test to confirm.
Healthcare workers, people with underlying conditions, children aged 3 or under and adults over 40 are advised to seek a PCR test as soon as they display symptoms of COVID-19.
