FRIDAY, 9 APRIL, 2021

Immediate release. Photograph attached of a mobile testing van

Community testing for COVID-19 begins in Tayside

From Monday, 12 April, testing for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 will be available in communities across Tayside.

The self-administered PCR swab tests will be available from three mobile testing vans which will visit a range of locations in Angus, Dundee and Perth & Kinross on a weekly basis. The walk in testing units will be open from 10am until 4pm in Dundee and Perth & Kinross and 10.30am until 4pm in Angus. There is no need to book an appointment.

Tayside residents who don’t have any of the three COVID symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested at the sites.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

The mobile testing units are safe and secure, with strict hygiene measures in place. Staff on site will support people through the testing process which involves self-administering a swab test. Full instructions will be provided. Testing is quick and easy with results communicated to people by text message 24 to 48 hours after the test.

The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross Councils, Scottish Ambulance Service and the British Red Cross aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly.

NHS Tayside Director of Public Health, Dr Emma Fletcher said, “Not everyone who has the virus will have symptoms, so people could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but could potentially be passing the virus on to loved ones, friends and the wider community.

“By getting tested at one of the local units, you can find out if you have COVID-19 even if you have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus.

“If we can find and isolate more positive cases, we can drive down the incidence of the virus in the community and get us closer to being able to return to doing the things we have all missed.

“There is help available to support you to self-isolate if you need it, so please come along and get tested.”

To make testing as convenient as possible, Tayside residents can use any of the testing sites. For example, if you live in Angus but work in a different area, you can use whichever testing site is most convenient for you.

The mobile units will be available on a weekly rota at the following locations:

Anyone who receives a positive 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. Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from nhsinform.scot or www.taysidecares.co.uk

More information on the testing programme is available at www.covidtayside.scot.nhs.uk and www.taysidecares.co.uk

Background:

Anyone with the symptoms of COVID-19 – a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell should go online to nhsinform.scot to book a test or call 0800 028 2816 if you cannot get online.

How to self-isolate effectively – information and support for people who are asked to self-isolate because of COVID-19 is available from nhsinform.scot.

Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland:

F – Face coverings

A – Avoid crowded places

C – Clean your hands regularly

T – Two metres distance

S – Self isolate and book a test if you have symptom

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 740718