Test and Protect info will be sent to homes
Information on the Test and Protect service aimed at helping to stop the spread of coronavirus will be sent to households in the Forth Valley area this week.
People with symptoms which include a new, persistent cough, high temperature or loss or change in taste or smell – are being urged to book a test immediately as part of the national effort to continue to supress the virus.
Those who test positive will be asked to confidentially provide information to NHS Scotland contact tracers on the people they have been in close contact with.
Those contacted will be asked to isolate for 14 days to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, and told how to request a test if symptoms develop during this time.
As well as explaining how Test and Protect works, the leaflet provides information on how families and households can plan for being asked to isolate immediately, and the support that is available.
NHS Forth Valley director of public health, Dr Graham Foster, said:“Test and Protect plays a vital role in protecting all of us by helping to break the chains of coronavirus transmission and it can only work if everyone plays their part.
“If you suspect you have symptoms, we need you to book a test right away, because the quicker the virus can be identified, the better chance there is of stopping it spreading. Please keep the leaflet handy and follow the step-by-step guidance.
“For this to work, we need your help. Taking these steps, along with physical distancing, good cough and hand hygiene, and wearing a face covering in enclosed spaces, will help keep the virus under control and allow us to continue to emerge from lockdown.”
People can book a test at nhsinform.scot/ test-and-protect or call 0800 028 2816 if they cannot get online.