More asymptomatic coronavirus testing sites being set up across Ayrshire
People without any symptoms are being encouraged to go for a test.
More rapid coronavirus testing sites are being set up in Ayrshire for people without symptoms.
The aim is to drive down COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases earlier, as people can spread the virus before symptoms appear.
Ayrshire residents who don’t have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms - a new continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell - are encouraged to get tested.
Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, explains: “Testing will help us to identify more cases of the virus and give us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.
“It is important that you are tested regularly, particularly if you are a key worker and must attend work. These centres are there to be used as regularly as you need to. Make sure you check the website regularly so you know when we are in your area.”
There is no need to book and testing is available from the following locations seven days a week from 10am to 6pm:
East Ayrshire:
From Friday 26 February until Thursday 11 March:
Hurlford Community Centre, Cessnock Road, Hurlford KA1 5DD
From Friday 12 March until Thursday 25 March:
Boswell Centre, Well Rd, Auchinleck, Cumnock KA18 2LA
North Ayrshire:
From Wednesday 24 February until Wednesday 10 March:
Castlepark Community Centre, 4 Castlepark Circle, Irvine KA12 9LQ
From Thursday 11 March until Wednesday 17 March:
Ardeer Neighbourhood Centre, 23 Shore Road, Stevenston KA20 3NB
South Ayrshire:
From Monday 22 February until Sunday 14 March:
Prestwick Community Centre, 50 Caerlaverock Road, Prestwick KA9 1HP
These sites are 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.
Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate. Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support:
• East Ayrshire: https://eastayrshi.re/covidsupport
• North Ayrshire: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/Coronavirus.aspx
• South Ayrshire: https://beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus
Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from nhsinform.scot.
Lynne McNiven adds: “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.
“The FACTS guidance remains as important as ever. This will help to protect our families, communities and the NHS.”
• F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis)
• A – Avoid crowded places.
• C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.
• T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
• S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.