Mass coronavirus testing to begin in South Ayrshire
People without symptoms are being urged to get a test from today.
People without coronavirus symptoms in South Ayrshire are being encouraged to get a test as part of a mass testing programme from today. (Monday 22 February 2021)
For the next two weeks, residents who don’t have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms - a new and continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell - can get a test at Prestwick Community Centre.
It will be open between 10.00am and 6.00pm and no appointment is necessary. The centre is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices, which can give people their results in around 45 minutes. Any positive cases will then be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Those with a positive result from either test will be asked to self isolate.
Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “Targeted testing in this way will help us find and isolate more cases, by targeting resources with communities where there is high prevalence, helping us to identify more cases of the virus and giving us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.
“However, a test only tells us if we are positive at the point in time that we are being tested. It does not mean that we can stop following all of the rules and guidelines which are in place to protect all of us. Testing is only one layer of protection against this virus – all others, including vaccination and the FACTS guidance work to greatest effect when they work together, so it is essential people continue to follow the restrictions currently in place to suppress COVID to the lowest possible level in Scotland.
“This expansion has been made possible as our testing capacity has increased but it could not have happened without the support of our local partners, and everyone involved in Scotland’s testing programme, from diagnostic staff to sample takers, and I want to pay tribute to each and every one of you as we continue to work to suppress this virus together.”
Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Peter Henderson said: “The community testing initiative provides further opportunity for us to break the chain of infection in South Ayrshire.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has worked to bring community testing to Prestwick, and I would urge residents to make the best use of this facility when it opens on Monday 22 February.”