Asymptomatic Testing Site to be available in Ballantrae from next week

Rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing will be available for people without symptoms in South Ayrshire next week.

The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government; Scottish Fire and Rescue; University of West of Scotland (UWS); and the three local authorities in Ayrshire and Arran, aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.

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 at the following location from Monday 19 April until Sunday 2 May:

·         Ballantrae Community Centre, The Vennel, Ballantrae, KA26 0NH - 10.00am - 6.00pm

This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via www.nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices (LFD), 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 South Ayrshire residents who need to self-isolate, including access to food, pharmacy and financial support. People who need help should call 01292 616101 or visit 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 and soap whenever possible;
• T - Two metres - observe physical distancing;
• S - Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.

Published 15 April 2021