The Mayo Covid 19 Test Centre in Breaffy Castlebar has recorded a surge in demand for PCR tests over the last week and that’s in line with a national recent surge in Covid cases.

The Health Minister today described the increase in the incidences of the virus across the country as “concerning”.

600 people are being treated in hospitals nationwide with Covid 19 today and 70 percent of these patients are aged over 65.

Almost 1 million people haven't come forward for their first Covid booster, according to new HSE figures.

Minister Donnelly is appealing in particular to over 65s to get their booster jabs..

The Mayo Vaccination Centre that had been located at Breaffy House Resort outside Castebar has now moved to Swinford. The facility is now located at Mayo Community Living, formerly known as Aras Attracta.

From this Friday, the Mayo Covid 19 Testing Centre, is also moving to MLC in Swinford. The county Testing Centre started up at Lough Lannagh in Castlebar, it then moved to McHale Park in the county town, and to date is located at Breaffy House resport, just outside the town.

Covid Testing will cease in Breaffy this Thursday with reduced opening hours on Thursday - from 10 am to 1pm. 

Testing will commence in Unit 1, MCL, Swinford on Friday, from 12noon to 3pm and from 10am to 3pm  going forward, maintaining a seven day service.

The move is part of the HSE’s national plan to transition to smaller testing centres sites.

Patricia Dever has been managing the Mayo Covid 19 Centre since it was established and she spoke to Midwest News editor Teresa O’Malley today about the latest move, as the Test Centre takes up home in Swinford from this Friday…