Important
Healthcare workers (HCWs) who develop respiratory symptoms must self-isolate immediately
Suspect case testing criteria
You should arrange testing if you meet one of the following criteria:
A Healthcare Worker (HCW) with acute respiratory infection (sudden onset of at least one of the following: cough, fever, shortness of breath)
OR
A HCW with sudden onset of anosmia (loss of sense of smell), ageusia (loss of sense of taste) or dysgeusia (distortion of sense of taste) with no known medical reason for these symptoms
OR
A HCW with any acute respiratory illness who has also been in contact with a confirmed or probable COVID-19 case in the last 14 days prior to symptom onset.
HCW who is a household close contact
HCW is a confirmed case based on antigen or PCR test.
A HCW who is a household close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 should request antigen tests from the HSE. You will need to do 3 antigen tests over 7 days. Do one test as soon as possible, one test 3 days later and the final test on day 7. You can continue to attend work if you do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
You must have a negative antigen test on day 8 or at the start of your shift.
You should remain out of work for full 10 days if day 8 antigen test is positive, or if symptoms have not substantially or fully resolved for the final two of the 7 days.
Important
If you are a close contact of a known case of COVID-19 follow public health advice that matches your situation
Pathway for testing
Symptomatic HCWs or HCWs with a positive antigen test should self-isolate immediately. If you have a positive antigen test you do not need a confirmatory PCR test.
Log your positive antigen test online
Symptomatic HCWs with a negative antigen test should self-isolate and arrange a PCR test. You can book a PCR test online or be referred for testing by your GP.
Important
If you have no known workplace contact with COVID-19 case or you are returning to Ireland from international travel please follow government advice.