There is now three main coronavirus related groups in Ireland following the introduction of new testing criteria by health chiefs.
The President of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has said that anyone who had been referred for a COVID-19 test from Friday onwards will have their tests cancelled.
New testing criteria means suspected patients must now have the two main symptoms of the virus as well as fall into a priority category in order to be able to avail of a test for COVID-19.
Speaking on Morning Ireland, Professor Mary Horgan said that there was now three main coronavirus related groups of those who have contracted suspected symptoms of the killer virus.
"The second group is those who had an appointment for a test. Anyone with appointments for today (Thursday) under old criteria will still go ahead. Anyone who had appointments from Friday onwards will now have their tests cancelled unless they fall into one of the priority categories [under new criteria].
"If you had a test for Friday or after, you have to now be reassessed by your GP and also must meet new criteria measures".
Categories being deemed as priority under the new criteria include:
- Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case
- Healthcare staff that are fighting to help patients on the frontline
- Vulnerable groups of people - including those with underlying health conditions
As well as falling into one of these categories, suspected cases must show the two main symptoms which are a fever and shortness of breath.
She continued: "And the third group are those who hadn't been referred for a COVID-19 appointment. If they are experiencing symptoms they are being advised to self-isolate and and ring their GP and must meet these new criteria in order for a referral for a test."
