An investigation is underway into how results of Covid tests carried out at a Longford nursing home were initially deemed positive, before re-tests of staff clarified they were in fact negative.
On Tuesday the HSE informed the Laurel Lodge Nursing home in Longford town that there had been some positive results from Covid 19 screening tests taken at the facility.
Laurel Lodge immediately suspended all visiting and implemented its Covid 19 protocols including contacting families of residents despite all staff and residents being symptom-free and not showing any indication of the virus.
However, hours later, a HSE official informed the facility, which has 114 residents, that there was a query over testing results in the context where they had recently commenced using a new laboratory to analyse swabs.
The staff members were subsequently re-tested on Wednesday and found to be negative.
The facility then wrote to families of residents to inform them that they were delighted that the virus was not detected among staff and the previously reported positive results were incorrect.
The nursing home has welcomed the confirmation it is Covid free but is urging people not to be complacent in light of increased community transmission.
The HSE has been contacted for a statement.
