Boots Ireland will be the first pharmacy in Ireland to offer a Covid-19 testing service in its stores from tomorrow.
It said the new testing service is specifically and only available for customers without Covid-19 symptoms.
The in-store test costs €139 and customers can expect to receive their results the day following their test.
Boots said the price reflects costs related to lab testing, product materials, in-store infection control measures, courier service, staffing and VAT.
Initially the testing service will be available in seven stores with plans to roll out to further stores across Ireland after demand is assessed.
From December 4, the following Boots stores will offer the testing service:
- Letterkenny Retail Park in Co Donegal
- Gateway Shopping Park, Knocknacarra in Co. Galway
- Half Moon Street, in Co Cork
- Naas Monread Shopping Centre in Co Kildare
- Dawson St in Dublin 2
- Church Street, Tullamore in Co Offaly
- Ashbourne Town Centre in Co Meath
Boots said its testing service is being launched in response to new Government guidelines that came into effect on November 29.
These guidelines allow passengers arriving from an orange, red or grey region - as determined by the EU traffic light approach to travel - to end their period of restricted movement when they get a negative/not detected PCR test taken a minimum of five days after arrival in Ireland.
It also said the testing service is "an accessible solution" for those who would prefer peace of mind before seeing friends and family as is permissible by Government guidelines at the time.
"However, it is important to note that a negative test does not preclude people from observing Government guidelines which must continue to be adhered to at all times," the pharmacy chain said.
"These tests are specifically for customers who do not have any Covid-19 symptoms. Anyone with symptoms must follow the latest Government or HSE guidance to access testing," it added.
To obtain a Covid-19 test, Boots said customers will be able to book in on https://www.boots.ie/covid-19-testing-service the day before the test is scheduled.
Online pre-screening will take place before people come to store to ensure that they are not currently experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
The test will take place between 9am and 1pm and once in store, a testing-trained Boots Pharmacist will facilitate the swab test, package the swab and send it to the laboratory to be tested.
The results will be made available to customers the following day.
