Rapid Covid testing pilot programmes are set to be rolled out at four Irish universities.
It comes after a report found the antigen tests could help society reopen faster.
Today, Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said universities will soon start set up trial programmes, which could help get students back on campus.
Chief scientific advisor Mark Ferguson says the new antigen tests will help fight the virus.
"Because I think it's a really good way to add to our arsenal of non pharmaceutical inventions."
"Essentially to allow our country to return to normal as soon as possible."
@simon_harristdI want to use rapid testing to help get students back to college campus in the new college year. Let’s do this! More info soon ##fyp ##college ##Covid19♬ Nice To Meet Ya - Wes Nelson
Rapid Testing Coming To Universities
Yesterday, a team of the country’s top scientists finally gave the green light for rapid testing in Ireland.
It comes as four new walk-in test centres were opened today.
They are based at Crumlin in Dublin, Athlone in Westmeath, Ballinasloe in Galway and Naas Racecourse in County Kildare.
Yesterday I launched a new report on rolling out rapid testing, with Prof Mark Ferguson & @profmaryhorgan.
We’re using rapid testing in areas like healthcare and meat processing. It’s another tool in our fight against Covid. Huge thanks to the expert group for their work. pic.twitter.com/E4zjX7Xyee
— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) April 2, 2021
Stopping Community Transmission Is Key
Deirdre Kenny's the head of the Crumlin facility.
She says the hope is to find asymptomatic cases in the general population.
"What's ideal about these centres, is that it's for people who may not realise they have the disease, but are able to still transmit it onwards."
"So it's picking people up, and obviously if they're positive they can be isolated."
"That stops community transmission which is really important."
The plan is rapid testing will also rolled out in settings like gyms, schools and workplaces.
