Advice: Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan confirmed that the criteria for testing has been updated. Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Business as usual: Punters look on during day three of the Cheltenham Festival. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Croke Park is to be used as a 'drive-thru' testing facility during the coronavirus crisis. Photo: Sportsfile

Croke Park is set to be used as a ‘drive-through' testing site for individuals suspected to have contracted Covid-19.

Authorities are looking for ways to help them keep pace with the escalating crisis and reduce risk for health care professionals. And it’s believed the tunnel in the stadium, which runs from the Hill 16 end of the Hogan Stand and around to the Cusack Stand on the opposite side provides a suitable venue for such testing.



While the details of the plan have yet to be fleshed out, it’s understood that individuals requiring testing could drive through the stadium and be tested without ever leaving their car. The service will be available by appointment only and no walk ups will be accepted.



Like many sporting organisations, the GAA has suspended all games and collective training have been suspended until March 29 at the earliest with the organisation’s top brass open to using the stadium in this way as it is in the national interest.



The move comes as the EU stepped up plans to combat the spread of the virus. A temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU is set to be imposed for a period of 30 days.

Meanwhile, healthcare workers who attended the Cheltenham Racing Festival will be monitored for the coronavirus for two weeks after returning to Ireland.

Expand Close Business as usual: Punters look on during day three of the Cheltenham Festival. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile SPORTSFILE / Facebook

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Whatsapp Business as usual: Punters look on during day three of the Cheltenham Festival. Photo: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

The guidance issued last night by the HSE insisted all staff who attended the four day horse racing event in England should contact their local occupational health department before returning to work.

The memo, which was sent to all senior HSE directors, said those who do return to work will be subjected to “passive monitoring” for symptoms.

“If during that period the healthcare worker becomes symptomatic they should self-isolate and then contact their local occupational health department to arrange testing,” it said.

“It is the responsibility of each service to ensure that an appropriate plan is in place to identify staff who have returned from the Cheltenham Race Festival,” it added.

The advice applies to all staff working across the health service.

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Any race goers displaying symptoms on return from the racing festival are to immediately self isolate and call their relevant department.

The memo states that the decision to monitor staff returning from the festival is a “precautionary measure” and was taken in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.

The Cheltenham Festival was held over four days between Tuesday and Friday last week.

There was widespread speculation that the highlight of the horse racing calendar would be cancelled but the British government decided against banning mass gatherings before last Friday.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has since decided to ban any gathering of more than 500 people.

Overall attendance at Cheltenham this year was 251,684, compared to a total of 266,557 in 2019.

Thousands of Irish people travelled to event which saw Willie Mullins crowned the leading trainer and Paul Townsend the top jockey.

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Meanwhile, Dr Tony Holohan has informed the public that the next seven days are vital if we expect the spread of Covid-19 to dramatically reduce.

With the number of coronavirus cases in the Republic of Ireland expected to jump considerably this week, Dr Holohan outlined eight ways that the public can help to slow the virus and reduce the burden on hospitals:

Reduce your social contacts – see only a handful of people in your network Distance yourself two metres from people in shops and supermarkets Stop shaking hands or hugging when you say hello Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Wash your hands regularly and practice cough and sneeze hygiene Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces Check on your vulnerable family members and neighbours Work from home where possible

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