The HSE's mass testing of staff in meat plants and food processing facilities has been suspended.
It began two weeks ago and since then, 40 positive cases have been identified. But the HSE says demand for testing in the community has trebled since Monday, and resources are being re-directed.
It says serial testing in the plants will resume next week, but SIPTU's Greg Ennis says that's unacceptable:
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Cavan-Monaghan TD Matt Carthy has described the decision to pause testing in meat plants as posing "a danger in the extreme to our communities".
He's called for answers from the Government, saying they've "given a blank cheque to meat plants".
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Sinn Féin's Agriculture Spokesman has described the HSE's decision to pause testing as "irresponsible":
