FRIDAY, 27 AUGUST, 2021

Immediate release

Mobile testing units to offer lateral flow testing

From Monday, 30 August, the mobile testing vans which attend sites across Tayside will offer Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.

The mobile testing vans have been offering PCR testing since April but will now offer Lateral Flow Device testing with results available within an hour. The vans are available for anyone who does not have symptoms (also known as being asymptomatic). People can drop in without an appointment and get tested by taking a self-administered test.

Anyone who tests positive following an LFD test will be asked to attend for a PCR test to confirm their result and must self-isolate whilst they await their result.

The mobile units are now being operated by staff from British Red Cross who will support anyone attending through the quick and painless testing procedure. Full instructions for taking the test will be provided.

People who have any COVID-19 symptoms – a new continuous cough, fever or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste - should not attend the asymptomatic testing sites, nor should those who are currently self-isolating because they have been identified as a close contact, or those who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a test at nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

People are encouraged to test themselves regularly, even if they do not have symptoms. One in three people with the virus have no symptoms and could be passing it to others. Regular testing helps identify positive cases and break chains of COVID-19 transmission. Getting tested will help the population stay safe and help protect your family and friends, your local community, help prevent further lockdowns and help to protect the NHS.

The vans will continue to visit the following locations across Dundee, Angus and Perth & Kinross.

The mobile testing sites are walk-in and there is no need to book an appointment. However, to make the process quicker, you can book in advance and pre-register your details by phoning 119.

In addition to the mobile testing vans, there are other ways for people in Tayside to get tested. More information on the testing programme is available at www.covidtayside.scot.nhs.uk and www.taysidecares.co.uk including videos of how to take a test and an FAQ document.

Permanent testing venues

PCR Testing is also available across Tayside every day from 8am to 8pm for anyone whether you have symptoms or not. People can book a test via nhsinform.scot or by calling 119.

Collect a test

You can also collect a rapid test kit (LFD) from the permanent testing venues. LFD kits to self-test at home are now also available from community pharmacies. People can find out which pharmacies are taking part by going to NHS inform, following a link and entering their postcode.

Contact:

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138