Covid-19 Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Information on Covid-19 testing, test results and how to be safe and comply with public health guidance during the Coronavirus pandemic.
1. How do I arrange to have a Coronavirus test for myself or my child?
You should request a phone consultation with your GP or any GP at the surgery. The GP will discuss the reasons for the test and will decide with you whether or not a test is required.
If you agree to have a test, the GP will make a referral immediately for you and will explain what public health safety measures you must take while awaiting the test and its result. If a test is being arranged the patient will be asked to self isolate and the family contacts to restrict movements. Please review these measures here: Restrict movement and Self isolation. See also question 6.
2. Can I have a Covid-19 test if I do not have any symptoms?
The GP cannot arrange a test unless you have symptoms.
3. My employer insists that I have a test before I can go back to work. How can I have this test?
The GP cannot arrange this test for you. The HSE cannot arrange this test for you. You cannot have this test other than by arranging a commercial test available for delivery as a home-kit or in person at a Dublin clinic. The cost is typically €150 +.
4. I am a contact of someone who is being tested. Should I have a test?
If you have symptoms, you will need to have a free telephone consultation with the GP.
If you have no symptoms, you cannot have a test unless the contact tests positive and only then if you are called for a test by the HSE. Please be available for a telephone call from the HSE Contact Tracing Service.
The GP cannot prompt the HSE to call you.
If you have no symptoms you will need to restrict movements for 14 days.
5. I am a contact of someone who has had a positive test result. Should I be tested and can my GP arrange a test?
If you need a test, the HSE will arrange it through their contact tracing service.
The GP cannot arrange this test for you.
Make sure that you are available by telephone for a call from the HSE Contact Tracing Service. The GP cannot prompt the HSE to call you.
The GP can advise you about what you should do to protect yourself and others while you wait for testing.
If you have no symptoms you will need to restrict movements for 14 days.
6. What rules apply to parents and household contacts of a child with an acute illness if they require a test or if they do not require a test?
Depending on the situation you and your child may have to self isolate or restrict movement.
The GP will advise you what is best when you consult. The detailed advice from the HSE is available in the following summary.
7. Can I have a certificate to state that my child’s continuing or chronic symptoms are considered not to be caused by Covid-19?
The GP will not provide this certificate.
We regret that the number of such requests would make it impossible for us to undertake those other functions which are required of us as doctors.
The HSE advises instead, that you should complete a parental declaration relating to continuing or chronic symptoms, which is available here.
Thank you for your understanding.
8. Can I have a certificate that my child can return to college, school or creche after an acute illness for which they have been absent?
The GP will not provide this certificate.
We regret that the number of such requests would make it impossible for us to undertake those other functions which are required of us as doctors.
The HSE advises instead, that you should complete a parental declaration, available here.
Thank you for your understanding.
9. Can I have a certificate to say that I am fit to return to work following a positive or a negative Covid-19 test result?
The GP does not provide this certificate.
You should inform your employer that you have had a positive or negative result and that you have complied with the relevant public health guidance.
If your employer requires additional reassurance, you should inform your employer that they must ask their Occupational Health Advisor/Company doctor to discuss their requirement with you.
Please do not contact the surgery as we shall not be in a position to provide this paperwork.
10. I haven’t received my test result? Can the GP give it to me?
The time it takes to be called for a test and to get the result depends on how busy the test centre is.
The GP will receive your test at the same time that you do. If you want to discuss the test or result, you can book a telephone consultation or call back from this website.
The GP can request a result that appears to be missing following such a consultation but cannot look it up for you on the spot. The request will take some time to process at the HSE.
11. I need a certificate to excuse me or my child from the requirement to use a face covering. How can I get this?
The GPs at Bedford Medical Centre believe that the use of a face mask or visor is an important part of protecting each other from the spread of coronavirus.
There are very few people who should not wear face coverings. If you prefer a visor to a mask, you should make that choice. If your employer or educational setting requires a mask, please take that up with the employer or educational institution. It is not the function of the GP to validate patient or parental opinion as being a matter of medical necessity.
We regret that we cannot entertain requests for such certificates.