Chance for anyone with no Covid symptoms to get a walk-in test
The coronavirus community testing unit is in Cowie until this Sunday, April 18, for residents across Stirling.
Anyone who doesn’t have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) is encouraged to get tested as part of a national programme to introduce walk-in testing for people that, although not displaying any symptoms, may wish to be tested.
There is no need to book and testing is available at Cowie Community Centre, Manse Park/Main St, Cowie, FK7 7BL, on the following times and dates: today (Friday) and Saturday, noon-6pm; and Sunday 9am-noon.
Test results will be available in around 45 minutes and can be received at home rather than having to wait at the facility. Anyone with a positive test will be asked to undertake a confirmatory PCR test.
The national community testing initiative, which will be rotating between Stirling’s two dedicated locations of Cowie and Callander, where it was in place two weeks ago, 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.
With restrictions being eased across Scotland, both vaccination and continued testing are ways people can help reduce the spread of the virus.
Stirling Council chief executive Carol Beattie said: “This testing is part of a national programme which is being scheduled on a rotational basis in different parts of Stirling for all of our residents. The tests are available for people without coronavirus symptoms, are completely voluntary and are there for anyone who may want one. We are hoping that residents will recognise the benefits of getting involved to help reduce the spread of the virus in their communities.”
Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said:“We are still seeing around 20-30 new cases of coronavirus in Forth Valley every day and many with Covid-19 don’t experience any of the common symptoms. This testing facility will make it easier and quicker for people who don’t have any symptoms of Covid-19, to get tested to ensure they are not able to spread the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.
“Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 or who is living with someone who has symptoms, even very mild ones, should continue to book a test via NHS Inform and should not attend the Cowie testing centre as this is only for people who do not have any symptoms.”
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816.