People have been reminded by the National Transport Authority to not use public transport if they are travelling to or from a COVID testing centre.
As the number of infections ramps up across the country they have issued the reminder for the health and safety of all users.
Currently, public transport is only to be used for essential purposes and is operating at 25% capacity under Level 5 lockdown restrictions.
Those who are displaying symptoms or are awaiting a test or the results of COVID-19 test are to self-isolate.
The HSE advice is as follows:
- Try and avoid other people as much as possible when going to your test appointment.
- Use your own means to get to the test centre, for example by car, bicycle or on-foot.
- Do not use public transport.
- If you are on foot, follow social distancing guidelines.
- If you do not feel well enough to drive to the test centre, a family member or a friend can drive you. If possible, it’s best to ask someone you live with or have been in contact with in the last couple of days.
- You and your driver should follow advice on how to protect against the spread of the virus during your journey.
- If you have a child who has an appointment to be tested, you can drive them.
- Follow the advice on respiratory hygiene, social distancing and wearing a face covering when in a test centre and travelling to and from it.
An NTA spokesman said: “This advice was published by the HSE last year, but in light of the increase in testing activity, it is worth re-iterating at this stage.
“Public transport has had a very good record in safeguarding passengers and employees in Ireland throughout this crisis, and it is essential that we all continue to protect each other.”
