The HSE has said it is "concerned" at an increase in cases of COVID-19 recorded in Co Waterford over the last week.
It is now encouraging people throughout West Waterford to avail of a temporary "pop-up" test centre in Dungarvan, due to open this Thursday until Saturday.
It comes following a suspected cluster of Covid-19 cases in An Rinn, with the short-term closure of a number of sports clubs and businesses.
"The HSE is concerned at an increase in cases of COVID-19 recorded in Co. Waterford over the last week and is encouraging people in communities throughout West Waterford to avail of this temporary facility in Dungarvan. People can avail of testing if they have concerns about Covid19, whether or not they have symptoms at the moment," a spokesman said.
In response, the HSE will be operating the free walk-in COVID-19 test centre on the grounds of the Dungarvan Community Hospital, from 11am to 7pm Thursday to Saturday. It will cater to all ages while under 16s must be accompanied.
It comes following a decision to cease all GAA activity in An Rinn following a suspected Covid-19 outbreak.
Councillor Conor McGuinness, who lives in An Rinn, said locals were to be commended for taking the step to cease activity.
"This is a close-knit community, people know one another," he said, "My thoughts are with those affected, it is a very worrying time, especially for families but I want to say that the clubs and businesses that have taken the decision to stop activity temporarily as a precaution are to be commended and it it clear that they're putting the interests of their community first."
When asked if it had concerns about any virus of concern being active in the community, such as the more transmissible Delta variant, a spokesman for the HSE South East team said does not comment on individual situations in the interests of confidentiality.
He added: "The HSE’s Dept. of Public Health respond to notified cases or outbreaks of Covid-19. The Dept. of Public Health undertake a risk assessment of the situation, appropriate investigations are carried out and control measures put in place if required."
