Drive- through testing begins at Crosshouse
the individual has a productive cough. And in line with established infection control measures, the team performing the tests will wear protective clothing.
Dr McGuffie added: “We know that it can be daunting to see the testing team wearing personal protective equipment. However, we want to reassure people that there is no need to be alarmed. This is part of our usual infection control procedures.”
It comes after the Scottish Government confirmed last week that one of the first coronavirus cases in Scotland is from Ayrshire.
Shops have been rationing products in an attempt to battle the panic buying across the region.
Customers have been stripping shelves of hand sanitiser, toilet rolls and baked beans as the deadly virus spreads throughout Scotland.
At the Tesco store on Ayr High Street loo roll, eggs and paracetamol shelves lay empty while at Superdrug hand sanitiser was sold out, despite being limited to two per customer.
Tesco bosses have taken the decision to limit shoppers to five items each of UHT milk, pasta and baked beans.
On Monday University of the West of Scotland confirmed its Ayr campus would remain open after one of their students tested positive for COVID- 19.
NHS chiefs confirmed that the person who attends the UWS in Hamilton contracted the deadly virus.
News of the case came in a joint statement from the NHS and the university which confirmed all campus buildings will remain open.
It’s believed the person concerned had “limited contact” with a group of individuals at the university.
The statement read: “NHS Public Health officials have notified the university that an individual at the Lanarkshire Campus has tested positive for Cornoavirus.
“The individual is being treated in hospital and is giving no cause for concern. The person concerned had limited contact with a small group of individuals at the university. All have been contacted, are well and have no symptoms.
“We are fully aware and appreciate the concerns people have about coronavirus.
“However Public Health officials have reassured that the risk of contracting coronavirus from this individual is extremely low. In line with Public Health advice, all UWS campuses remain fully open and operational and students and staff should attend as normal.”
As the Post went to print, the number of people who have tested positive for the virus in Scotland had reached 23 – with just one of those from Ayrshire.
In the UK, 319 have the disease and five people have died. All three had underlying health conditions.
Advice remains for people to wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds regularly throughout the day.
People are also advised to avoid touching surfaces then their mouth or eyes and they should attempt to catch any cough or sneezes in a tissue, bin it and wash their hands.
The testing facility is now up and running at Crosshouse but this is not a drop- in facility. You must have an appointment. Anyone who turns up without an appointment will be turned away.
If you are concerned you may have been exposed to Coronavirus ( COVID- 19), telephone your GP surgery during normal working hours or call NHS 24 on 111 if out of hours.
For the latest health and travel advice, see nhsinform. scot/ coronavirus. A free helpline has also been set up for those who do not have symptoms but are looking for general health advice: 0800 028 2816.