More Irish people now eligible for coronavirus test after big change in criteria

More Irish people will now be eligible for a coronavirus test after the criteria was significantly changed.

From Tuesday the threshold for a Covid-19 test will be widened to any patients who are experiencing one of three important symptoms: a fever, cough or shortness of breath.

Previously tests had been limited to people who had both a fever and a cough or shortness of breath, and were in a high-risk group.

Testing will continue to be recommended for anyone who has been in close contact with someone they think or know has coronavirus in the last 14 days, and suddenly experience one of these symptoms:

• fever
• cough
• shortness of breath
• blocked nose or sinus
• stuffed or runny nose
• sore throat
• wheezing

However despite the widened criteria, priority testing will still be in place for healthcare workers as well as people with underlying conditions that make them more vulnerable to the disease, and close contacts of confirmed cases.

According to the HSE, the groups most at risk of severe infection are pregnant women, as well as people with ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, active malignancy in last 5 years, chronic lung disease, chronic renal disease and chronic liver disease.

Anyone who believes they require a coronavirus test under the new criteria are asked to contact their GP free of charge, who will decide if you need a test.

A few days after this, you will receive a text message with the time and location of your test. This will include a reference number you need to bring to your appointment.

Tests will be carried out either in your own home, or at a community test center, some of which are drive-thrus. You will be required to bring your phone to the test in order to show your reference number.

Full details on the testing process depending on your condition and situation can be found on the HSE’s website HERE.