Covid testing centre hailed as a success
Almost 30 asymptomatic people returned positive Covid-19 results through a testing initiative in Glenburn.
The week- long testing centre tested 1,139 people who live, work or go to school in either Glenburn or Foxbar.
It identified 69 positive cases – 29 of which were asymptomatic – enabling those people and their close contacts to self-isolate and help stop the spread of the virus.
The temporary facility, which was run and staffed by the Scottish Ambulance Service with support from Renfrewshire Council opened on May 23 and closed on May 30.
It was launched as part of the national community testing programme, helping to find people who have the virus without knowing.
In a covid briefing recently shared with councillors, Renfrewshire chief executive Sandra Black said: “The mobile testing unit deployed in Glenburn was very successful with over 1,100 tests carried out and contact tracing of the 69 positive cases leading to self- isolation where required.
“At six per cent of tests carried out this was a markedly higher rate of positive cases than has previously been seen in Renfrewshire’s testing centres (normally under one per cent) and included a high number of asymptomatic positive cases which were then also able to selfisolate and reduce the spread of the virus.
“As a result of these efforts and the support of the local population, cases in the Glenburn area have since begun to fall significantly.”
Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron, thanked everyone who took part in the testing.
She said: “Community testing and identifying people who may have Covid-19 is an important part of ensuring we stop the spread of the virus and it was encouraging to see so many people turn out to play their part.
“There are a number of ways we can all play our part to help stop the spread of the virus.
“Residents can get tested either at the community testing sites or by accessing free Covid-19 home tests, getting the vaccine when it is offered and continuing to follow the Level 2 guidelines around socialising indoors and outdoors.”
The Glenburn mobile testing site used PCR tests – which are the most accurate covid test.
The tests were sent away to a lab, with results being delivered to people via text message or e mail.
Full details on the coronavirus testing programme in Renfrewshire is available at www. renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirustesting-centres