''Obviously a test is only required when you have symptoms, not just because you'd like one.''
The new GP system for referring patients to get tested for COVID-19 has crashed after it was introduced today to try to make it easier for doctors to order tests.
The system was created to alleviate the amount of calls to GP's over the weekend from people wanting to get tested for Covid 19.
GPs can now order a test for someone with symptoms online, but so many are using it the system can't cope.
As a result the Health Minister is appealing to the public to bear with GPs, who are under an extreme amount of pressure.
He says only people with symptoms should be asking for tests.
''It is a massive body of work we're asking our GP's, our healthcare professionals and the HSE to deliver,'' he said today.
''And we need all of us to be responsible in relation to that. keep GP slots for people that need them.
''Be patient with your GP who's under a lot of pressure when you phone them
''And obviously a test is only required when you have symptoms, not because you'd like one.''
According to the HSE these are the main symptoms to look out for:
- a cough - this can be any kind of cough, not just dry.
- shortness of breath.
- breathing difficulties.
- fever (high temperature) or chills.
Other symptoms are fatigue, headaches, sore throat, aches and pains.
