New walk through Coronavirus test centre open in Leith

The facility at Leith Library is provided by the UK Government.

Published 7th Nov 2020
Last updated 7th Nov 2020

A walk through coronavirus testing facility is now open at Leith Library and Registry Office.

The centre is provided by the UK Government as part of a UK-wide drive to continue to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for local communities.

Those being tested will be required to follow public health measures, including social distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout, including while travelling to and from the testing centre.

Anyone attending an appointment at a walk-through test site will be provided with guidance on getting to and from the test site safely, with additional support for vulnerable groups and people with disabilities.

Testing at the new site has started today with appointments made available each day

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: "To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership added: "Across Edinburgh, testing continues to play a key role in our efforts to contain and mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and I am delighted that a new walk-through test centre is opening in the Capital.

“Getting a test is easy and quick; and if you start to develop symptoms, booking a test and isolating until you have the results is imperative. This will help to limit the spread of the virus to your family and others in our community, and the results of the test can also help your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your care.”