AQO 2489/17-22 Oral question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health to outline plans for long-term COVID-19 testing facilities in Larne.
Asked by Stewart Dickson MLA on 16 September 2021
- Answered
- Oral
- Tabled
- 16 September 2021
- Answer due by
- 28 September 2021
- Answered
- 28 September 202112 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
A Mobile Testing Unit has been deployed in Larne from 7 September 2021 and currently remains there.
There is also a Mobile Testing Unit currently deployed in Newtownabbey and a walk through testing site in Ballymena which are located 15 miles & 20 miles from Larne respectively.
The number and location of test sites is continually reviewed by my Department and the Public Health Agency and change in locations are made as required in response to demand.
It remains the case that the vast majority of people will be able to book a test at a site close to them and within 15 minutes travel time.
By providing a mix of walk-through, drive-through and home testing options across Northern Ireland, we can optimise equality of access and help ensure that people who need to get tested can do so in a way that suits their needs.