A pop-up COVID-19 test site will run at Killarney Community Hospital, Saint Margaret’s Road, until tomorrow Tuesday (August 24), from 11am to 7pm each day.

Walk-in testing in several parts of the region has proven to be quite successful in detecting and containing cases of Covid-19 in recent months. This site was planned in partnership by CKCH, the National Ambulance Service and Public Health experts.

Everyone attending for testing needs to bring a photo ID and a mobile phone number to receive their results. No appointment is necessary.

Specialist in Public Health Medicine with the Department of Public Health HSE South Dr Peter Barrett, thanked those who have come forward for this kind of testing so far.

“We know that there are high levels of Covid-19 circulating in Kerry at present. By coming forward for testing, you are helping the entire community to keep Covid-19 under control.”

Head of Health and Wellbeing with Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Gabrielle O'Keeffe said there has been a great reaction to the no-appointment testing initiative from the people of Kerry and this is a welcome addition to the ongoing efforts to detect and contain cases of Covid-19.

“Thank you to everyone who has presented for a test so far. Taking up this opportunity for testing even when you don’t have symptoms will help us to go a step further again in containing any cases.”

Ms O'Keeffe thanked the Administration team and National Ambulance Service for their support in setting up the temporary testing location in Killarney.

Walk-in test centres of this kind have opened in a number of locations around the country in recent months. These no appointment necessary testing centres offer those without symptoms of Covid-19 an opportunity to be tested.

You should use this free, walk-in COVID-19 testing service primarily if you:

• Do not have symptoms of Covid-19 but would like to be tested
• Have not tested positive for Covid-19 in the last nine months

Children under 16 can attend a walk-in centre. The parent or guardian attending with a child must have photographic ID and give consent for a child under 16 to have a COVID 19 test and there must also be an accompanying adult present when a child under 16 has a COVID 19 test

You must bring photo identification with you and provide us with a mobile telephone number so we can contact you with your results.

Social distancing measures will apply as people attend for testing.