How to get a Covid 19 test in Cork

Find out all you need to know to get a Covid 19 test in Cork, Ireland.

As the Government announced that all remaining counties in Ireland would join Dublin and Donegal by being placed at Level 3 of Ireland’s Plan for Living with Covid, we thought that it may be helpful to produce an article that lets you know how the assessment and testing system works.

Level 3 of Ireland’s Plan for Living with Covid from October 6th

From midnight on October 6th, the Government decided that all counties in Ireland will go to Level 3 in the Plan for Living with Covid, for 3 weeks, until midnight 27th October. Find out more about what being in Level 3 means for our daily lives in Cork, later in this article. Before that, let’s take a look at how you get assessed and/or tested for Covid-19 in Cork and Ireland.

Who needs to be assessed for Covid-19?

You may need to be assessed for Covid-19 if you either:

1.   Suddenly experience any of the following symptoms, where there is not another obvious cause:

a.    Fever.

b.    Any kind of cough.

c.    Shortness of breath.

d.    Loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

You should self-isolate if you develop symptoms, to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Phone your GP, or GP out-of-hours, immediately to discuss your symptoms and to find out if you need a Covid-19 test.

2.   If you are a close contact of a confirmed Covid-19 case, you will be phoned by a contact tracer. The contact tracing team will arrange a test for you. Even if you aren’t showing any symptoms, you will be tested.

Free Covid-19 assessment by your GP

Your GP assessment, and your Covid-19 test (if you need one), will be free of charge (including GP out-of-hours services). Phone your GP, do not attend the surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

What if I don’t have a GP?

If you don’t have a specific GP, any GP can arrange a test for you.

Click here to find a GP.

If the GP decides you don’t need a test

After being assessed, if your GP decides that you do not need a Covid-19 test, you will be asked to stay at home until you have no symptoms for 48 hours.

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19, you are required to follow the guidelines to restrict your movements.

When can you return to your normal activities?

If your GP decides that you don’t need a test, you can return your normal daily activities if:

• Your temperature is not above 38 degrees Celsius.
• You do not have a new cough.
• You do not live with someone who may have Covid-19.
• Your GP has told you that your illness is something else, not Covid-19.
• Have received a negative ‘not detected’ Covid-19 test result and you have not had any symptoms for 48 hours.
• Have not had diarrhoea for 48 hours.

If the GP decides you do need a Covid 19 test in Cork

If a GP decides that you need to get a Covid 19 test in Cork, they will arrange a test for you. Whilst you are waiting for your test, you will need to self-isolate. Everyone in your household will also need to restrict their movements, including by not attending school or work.

It’s important to make sure that your GP has the correct telephone number for you, as you are notified of the time and location of your test by text message.

Needless to say, if your GP decides that you need a test it’s important that you have one. Not only will a Covid 19 test in Cork help you to find out if you coronavirus, you will also find out what steps you need to take to help to avoid the virus being spread to others.

What if your symptoms get worse whilst waiting for your Covid 19 test in Cork?

Phone your GP if your symptoms worsen while you are waiting for your test. If you have difficulty breathing or are feeling very unwell, call 112 or 999 and tell them about your symptoms.

What do Level 3 Covid restrictions mean for our daily lives?

Being in Level 3 has the following implications for our daily lives in Cork:

• Visitors to private homes and gardens should be limited to a maximum number of 6 (from one other household).
• No social/family gatherings should take place (some weddings and funerals are exempt).
• No organised indoor gatherings should take place. Organised outdoor gatherings are permitted (maximum of 15 people).
• People should remain in their county. Do not leave your county to travel either domestically or internationally. There are exceptions for those who must travel for work, education or other essential purposes.
• People are asked to work from home unless absolutely necessary.
• Schools, early learning and childcare services should remain open. Adult and higher education institutions should remain open. Education settings have been asked to review protective measures and take steps to limit congregation where possible.
• You are asked to walk or cycle where possible, so public transport is available for use by essential workers.

Find out more about Level 3 of Ireland’s Plan for Living with Covid-19.

Contact your local Cork pharmacy for healthcare advice

For any advice about Covid-19, or your other health concerns, call 021-430 4165. Your friendly local pharmacists, here at Irwin’s Pharmacy, are always happy to provide healthcare advice to local people in Cork.