Tests in a Dublin stadium transformed into a drive-in

Ireland’s largest stadium, Croke Park, will serve as a “drive-in” where residents can get tested for the new coronavirus in their cars, health services announced on Wednesday.

“Croke Park is one of the test centers chosen for North Dublin,” said a spokesperson for the Irish Health Service (HSE).

The tests, which are by appointment, began on Tuesday. The 80,000 seat enclosure in central Dublin is usually used for local sports like hurling (team sport played with lacrosse) and Gaelic football.

Once fully operational, the site must be able to operate at an average of eight cars every quarter of an hour, seven days a week, 12 hours a day.

“Calm before the storm”

Pubs, schools and universities in Ireland are closed until March 29 to help stop the spread of the virus. The government recommends avoiding gatherings of more than 100 people and putting in place social distancing measures, such as teleworking.

Prime Minister Leo Varadkar warned on Tuesday that there are likely to be 15,000 people infected with the new coronavirus in Ireland by the end of the month and that the crisis could last until the summer. “It’s calm before the storm,” he warned during his speech on St. Patrick’s Day, whose parades have been canceled across the country.

Ireland currently deplores two deaths and 366 confirmed cases, according to the latest official figures published Wednesday evening.