![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/2.57791398.jpg\")
Rapid Covid-19 testing schemes are to be piloted in four Irish universities, Simon Harris has confirmed.<\/p>\nRapid Covid-19 testing schemes are to be piloted in four Irish universities, Simon Harris has confirmed.<\/p>\n
The Minister for Further and Higher Education announced the move after a Government report recommended the use of self-administered antigen testing on a trial basis in schools, colleges, workplaces and within sporting organizations.<\/p>\n
The report said the tests could allow people to \u201ctake control over their own health\u201d.<\/p>\n
It was compiled by the Rapid Testing Group, chaired by Professor Mark Ferguson, director general of Science Foundation Ireland and chief scientific adviser to the Government.<\/p>\n
It said pilot schemes should also be run in prisons, homeless shelters and direct provision centers.<\/p>\n
Health minister Stephen Donnelly outlined the findings on Thursday.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Minister Harris said he was very eager for rapid testing pilots to take place in the third level education sector.<\/p>\n
He said pilots would initially be run in four universities.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome existing research into rapid Covid-19 testing has already taken place in our universities and it is intended to extend these studies in the coming weeks in line with the report\u2019s recommendations,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese pilots will provide learning on the potential role rapid testing can play as an additional tool to assist our plans for additional onsite education in the next academic year.<\/p>\n
\u201cBuilding upon existing collaboration my department will now engage further with key stakeholders including Science Foundation Ireland, universities in a position to act as potential study sites and the HSE.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur ambition is to finalize plans shortly and quickly begin pilot studies in four universities.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy department will work closely with the Department of Health and the HSE on this initiative so as to learn from and contribute to the wider approach to rapid testing.\u201d<\/p>\n