Northern Ireland

Croke Park to be used as a Covid-19 drive-through testing centre

Croke Park is to be used as a Covid-19 drive-through testing centre
Croke Park is to be used as a Covid-19 drive-through testing centre Croke Park is to be used as a Covid-19 drive-through testing centre

CROKE Park in Dublin is to be used as a Covid-19 drive-though testing centre.

The GAA offered its national stadium for testing after it was deemed to have a suitable layout and given that no matches are being played at the Dublin 3 venue at present.

It will be a by-appointment-only drive through centre rather than a drop-in facility.

Residents in the area were informed of the move by letter.

The decision came after new figures showed a significant increase in confirmed cases in the Republic.

As of yesterday, there were 223 cases of coronavirus in the south after 54 new cases were diagnosed.

Two people have died from the illness.

There are now 275 cases of Covid-19 on the island.

Irish Department of Health officials have projected that it is likely that there will be around 109 new cases today and a further 355 by Sunday.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer, said that a full-scale lockdown would be a disportionate response and that supermarkets are regarded as essential services rather than indoor mass gatherings.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Sub-Committee yesterday decided to further increase funding for the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Funding will be used to increase community testing and use facilities in private hospitals.

The HSE has written to retired staff who it believes are in a position to return to work.