Dublin’s fire fighters will now be able to get tested for the Covid-19 virus on a priority basis in the Rotunda hospital, which generates results on the day of testing.

The hospital’s drive-through facility, previously open only to patients and staff at the maternity hospital, has been opened to members of Dublin fire brigade.

The decision came on foot of Fórsa's call for Dublin's fire fighters to be treated in the same way as other workers at frequent risk of coming into contact with the virus, after it emerged that 12 firefighters had tested positive and many more had had to self-isolate.

If one brigade member displays coronavirus symptoms, up to 12 close contacts can be required to stay off work until test results come back.

Assistant chief fire officer Greg O'Dwyer welcomed the decision as he said up to 100 firefighters could be off duty waiting on the results of tests at any given time.

The hospital currently has the capacity to carry out 40 tests a day.