Tullamore Boots store to offer Covid-19 testing service
Pictured above: Caoimhe McAuley, MPSI, Director of Pharmacy and Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots Ireland, at the announcement of the launch of an in-store COVID-19 PCR testing service.
The Boots store in Tullamore is among seven stores nationwide which will offer a new COVID-19 PCR testing service.
The service will be available from tomorrow (Friday), December 4.
Boots Ireland has today announced the launch of an in-store COVID-19 PCR testing service, specifically and only available for customers without COVID-19 symptoms.
Boots Ireland is the first pharmacy group to offer COVID-19 testing in Ireland. Initially the testing service will be available in seven stores with plans to roll out to further stores across Ireland after demand is assessed. From December 4, the following Boots stores will offer the testing service:
*Letterkenny Retail Park, Co. Donegal
*Gateway Shopping Park, Knocknacarra, Co. Galway
*Half Moon St, Co. Cork
*Naas Monread Shopping Centre, Co. Kildare
*Dawson St, Dublin 2
*Church Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
*Ashbourne Town Centre, Co. Meath
This testing service is being launched in response to new Government guidelines that came into effect on November 29. These guidelines allow passengers arriving from an orange, red or grey region, as determined by the EU traffic light approach to travel, to end their period of restricted movement on receipt of a negative/not detected PCR test taken a minimum of five days after arrival in Ireland.
As the travel guidelines change on a regular basis, customers will need to keep up to date on requirements as set out by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The COVID-19 PCR testing service is also an accessible solution for those who would prefer peace of mind before seeing friends and family as is permissible by Irish Government guidelines at the time. However, Boots Ireland has stressed that a negative test does not preclude people from observing Government guidelines.
These tests are specifically for customers who do not have any COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone with symptoms must follow the latest Government or HSE guidance to access testing.
The in-store testing service will launch at €139 per test and customers can expect to receive their results the day following their test. The price of the test reflects costs related to lab testing, product materials, in-store infection control measures, courier service, staffing and VAT.
Caoimhe McAuley, MPSI, Director of Pharmacy and Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots Ireland, said: "We are delighted to be launching COVID-19 PCR testing and hope that by providing this option in local community pharmacies, Boots Ireland can help people who need to travel in line with the EU traffic light system. This test can also be used by individuals who might want additional peace of mind about their own COVID-19 status. However, it is important to note that a negative test does not preclude people from observing Government guidelines which must continue to be adhered to at all times. As part of the Irish pharmacy landscape for almost 25 years, Boots is proud to serve on the front line alongside the HSE and we will continue to do our part to support the nation’s healthcare needs during this challenging time and beyond.”
To obtain a COVID-19 test, customers will be able to book in on https://www.boots.ie/covid-19-testing-service the day before the test is scheduled. Online pre-screening will take place before people come to store to ensure that they are not currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. The test will take place between 9am and 1pm and once in store, a testing-trained Boots Pharmacist will facilitate the swab test, package the swab and send it to the laboratory to be tested. The results will be made available to customers the following day.
More information on this service is available on https://www.boots.ie/