A senior medical scientist in the midlands says, combined with compliance with covid guidelines, we could return to normality.
Developing rapid testing - along with high compliance with covid-19 guidelines - can help get Ireland back open.
Mark McKeon, a senior medical scientist at Mullingar Regional Hospital, says the process hasn't been used enough to be fully sure of its effectiveness - but that it could be used to reduce the burden on hospital labs.
It's involves an on-the-spot nasal swab, which would take 15 minutes to produce a result - and could be used by GPs, pharmacists or at social events.
It comes after the organisers of Electric Picnic said the festival will go ahead next year, as they expect more widespread testing by then.
Ploughing 2026 Live Day Two: Livestock Competitions Heating Up In Offaly
Offaly’s First All-Ireland Winning Hurling Manager Andy Gallagher Dies Aged 89
Cistercian College Continues Ploughing Championships Tradition
EU Proposes Tighter Social Media Rules For Under-15s
Water Conservation Order To Be Lifted Early Across 13 Counties
Man Arrested In Ploughing Championship Public Order Incident
Gardaí Issue Public Appeal Over Missing Westmeath Teen
Ploughing Live 2026 Day One: As It Happened