Close Covid-19 Contacts Are No Longer Recommended To Get Tested But Still Told To Restrict Movement

Close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases are no longer advised to get tested for the coronavirus due to current widespread infection levels, the HSE said.

This is described as a “temporary measure” and close contacts are still advised to restrict movement for 14 days.

“This step is being taken to ensure that those who are symptomatic are prioritized and tested as quickly as possible,” said an HSE statement.

Prior to this, close contacts of confirmed cases received a Covid-19 test five or six days after the last day they were in contact with the positive case.

Medical Director Dr. Tony Holohan said this change was made to “support the testing system during this surge.”

Yesterday, the HSE processed more than 26,000 swabs. More than 2,300 calls were made to people who tested positive for Covid-19 and nearly 11,000 calls were made to close contacts.

“Test and trace is a containment exercise and we are no longer in a containment phase,” Holohan said.

However, he stressed that it is “imperative” that close contacts restrict movements and contact a GP if they develop symptoms.

“The average number of contacts per case has gone from 2.5 in November to an average of 6.3 in the last days.

This is a long way from where we need to be and I call on all people of all ages to adhere to the mandatory restrictions that the government has introduced: stay home, except for essential reasons, other than to exercise until 5 km.

Speaking at a press conference tonight, Holohan said that the level of transmission in Ireland at the moment means that “we have to regard each of us as a close contact.

He said actions should now focus on “eliminating these high levels of community transmission as quickly as possible.”

HSE Clinical Director Dr. Colm Henry said: “If you show any symptoms, call your GP or after-hours healthcare service immediately and they will refer you for a test if needed.

“We know that GPs and after-hours medical services are very busy, and we ask for everyone’s patience as we all work through this difficult time.”