Coronavirus: Páirc Uí Chaoimh test centre closed due to lack of test kits

The coronavirus test centre at Cork's Páirc Uí Chaoimh is closed today due to a lack of test kits.

The facility opened last week and is currently the biggest in the country, capable of handling 1,000 tests per day for people referred by their GP.

But, during this morning's televised press conference, HSE officials confirmed that testing at the GAA stadium had to be paused today due to a lack of testing kits.

They stressed, though, that it is expected to reopen tomorrow.

HSE’s head of communications Paul Connors said the sites was closed due to the “availability of testing kits”.

“They will be up and running very soon - as in, tomorrow is my understanding,” he added.

During the press conference, HSE officials confirmed that more than 33,000 people have been tested since March 16.

There are approximately 5,000 people being tested every day and there are now 10,700 people waiting for a test, as well as 4,000 people waiting for an appointment for one.

This is in light of the change in testing requirements imposed early last week, which now requires people to display two symptoms, such as a fever and a cough, instead of just one.

The HSE has secured 60,000 test kits and is expecting another 100,000 each week going forward.

Including Páirc Uí Chaoimh, there are now 46 testing centres operational and six more to come on stream next week.