Lateral flow tests will offer fast result
Mobile testing vans which attend sites across Perth and Kinross now offer lateral flow device (LFD) testing for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
The vans have been offering PCR testing since April but will now offer the rapid testing with results available within an hour.
Residents 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 testing procedure.
The vans will continue to visit a number of different locations throughout the week from 10am to 4pm.
The first stop is Atholl Street Car Park, Dunkeld on Mondays, before heading to Aberfeldy Community Fire Station on Tuesdays.
On Wednesdays the van returns to Atholl Street Car Park and then on to Davie Park in Blairgowrie on Thursdays.
Another mobile site will be parked on Thursdays at the Red House Hotel car park in Coupar Angus.
Auchterarder Fire Station will host a van on Fridays and Kinross Fire Station will host one on Saturdays.
The final stop for the week is Perth
Community Fire Station on Sundays.
The vans will also attend sites across Dundee and Angus.
A NHS Tayside spokesperson said: “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.”
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.