Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon has thanked all the staff involved in setting up the new community testing centres for people who don’t have any of the symptoms of Covid-19.
These include diagnostic staff, sample takers, military planners and local authority colleagues. A new asymptomatic testing centre began operating at Polmont Sports Centre and a mobile testing unit will rotate across the following locations in Clackmannanshire and Stirling (Cochrane Hall in Alva, Sauchie Hall, Cowie Hall and McLaren Hall in Callander).
The Asymptomatic Testing Sites (ATS) provide lateral flow testing with results available within 45 minutes. If the result is positive this is followed up with a confirmatory PCR test. Dedicated support is available for anyone who needs help to self isolate due to a positive test result, including advice on how to access financial support and food packages.
The community testing initiative is being carried out partnership with the Scottish Government and Ms Gougen said she wanted to pay tribute to each and everyone working together to suppress the virus.
NHS Forth Valley Director of Public Health Dr Graham Foster added: “With the emergence of a new strain of coronavirus which is much more contagious, community testing is an important addition to our armoury in the fight against Covid-19 over the coming months
“Given that around one in three people who contract Covid-19 show no symptoms, I would particularly encourage anyone who is unable to work from home to get a test, which can not only catch new cases more swiftly, but help keep you and others in your workplace safe.”
