Demand for PCR tests in Ireland has skyrocketed over the past few weeks amid the ongoing surge of infection, with many complaining of no available test slots online.
Last week, the HSE confirmed it would be enlisting a private company to help meet the surge in demand for tests.
However, some people dotted around the country have taken to the internet to complain about how difficult it is to get a test locally this week.
One man opened a Reddit thread for help, with a number of people responding to give him solid pieces of advice that could get him a test “within hours.”
He wrote: “When I go onto book a test it just says no spots available and won't let me pick a date in the future.”
One user responded to say that due to the immense pressure on the health system to complete thousands of tests amid the current surge, the best option would be to call the GP rather than try and book online.
They explained: “They've re-allocated test appointments from the self-referral system to GPs and HSE close contact tracing teams.
“So there are plenty of appointments - just not visible for self-referrals.
“Ring your GP if you are symptomatic and they can book a test for you quickly.
“If you are a close contact and symptomatic, or a close household contact, the contact tracing team will probably send you an appointment by SMS.”
Another backed up his theory by saying: “Ring your GP, my friend had the same issue today, rang GP and had a booking for 2 hours later.”
Another said that by going first thing in the morning, you can generally get seen too quickly: “Someone here advised me to go on it first thing in the morning.
“Got sorted very quickly. Negative too, thankfully.”
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