Close to 700 people were tested for Covid-19 in Ballinasloe over the Easter weekend after a ‘pop-up’ test centre was opened in the town from Good Friday (April 2nd) to Tuesday, April 6th.
Breda Crehan-Roche, Chief Officer of Community Healthcare West, noted the excellent teams working together to set up this test centre.
“The first walk in test centre in the west was set up in Ballinasloe as there was concern about incident rates in the community,” she said.
Ballinasloe-based Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan had encouraged people living within 5km of the centre to get tested.
“I went along on Friday morning to the Townhall carpark and did the test within ten minutes and the results were back by text to my phone within a day – I was 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 your family and friends are safe too. Covid-19 impacts on people of all ages and particularly those with a vulnerable or under-lying condition,” she said.
Senator Dolan said the vaccination roll-out was ramping up but that it was crucil to continue to adhere to public health guidelines.
“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,” she concluded.
