Walk-through COVID-19 test centre opens in Elgin

A new coronavirus test centre has opened in Moray.

The walk-through facility at Lossie Green car park in Elgin is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history.

In Scotland, this comprises 6 drive through sites, 18 walk-through sites, 24 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the news.

He said: "It is great to see this walk-through testing centre opening today in Elgin. This is something that our council group leader Tim Eagle and I have been working towards for some time now.

"If we are to get on top of this virus, then testing, along with the vaccine that is now on its way, is hugely important.

"There is now a network of these sites around the country managed by the UK Government, and I am pleased that people in Elgin can now benefit from this. Not everybody has access to a car, so this site will improve accessibility for people who might have difficulty travelling longer distances to get a test."

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart says that "testing is vital."

He said: "The UK Government is helping all parts of the UK fight the coronavirus pandemic

“Helping to manage local outbreaks and protecting people’s livelihoods. The UK Government is providing the bulk of Covid testing in Scotland, and this new walk-through centre is just the latest in our extensive testing network.

“We are pleased to be working with local and commercial partners. These sites are not possible without the hard work of many people. I would like to thank everyone involved for their incredible efforts for the good of the country at this difficult time.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell is urging anyone who is showing symptoms to book a test.

He 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."

Baroness Dido Harding, Interim Executive Chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: " Walk through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test.

"This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.

"Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms: a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted."

Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816. The UK Government say people should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste).