Community testing at walk-in units
Community coronavirus testing is now available around Stirling via a new mobile service which will target higher footfall areas and harder to reach communities.
The unit is in different locations each day until Sunday, October 10.
Residents across Stirling who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 can voluntarily attend the coronavirus testing units.
There is no need to book and testing is available at the following locations and times: today (Wednesday), Balfour Community Centre, Plean, 9.30am-5pm; tomorrow (Thursday) Kings Park, 9.30am-5pm; Friday, Aberfoyle Wool Centre, 10am-4.30pm; Saturday, Callander Meadows, 10am-4.30pm; and Sunday, Drymen Primary School, 10.30am-4.30pm.
There is also the opportunity to pick up Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits to take home in a pack of seven.
Stirling Council leader Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “This week there are a range of new locations within and around Stirling where members of the public can take part in community testing.
“Testing is one of the things that we can all do to help slow the virus down. The new mobile approach offers more opportunities than ever before to get tested, helping us target higher footfall areas and harder to reach communities.
“Covid-19 has not disappeared, it is still out there affecting our friends, families and communities, so it’s extremely important that we all continue to take care and be cautious for the sake of everyone in our communities.”
The testing units are part of a national programme of walkin testing. The initiative aims to drive down local Covid-19 rates by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear and many may not experience any symptoms at all.
Test results will be available in around 45 minutes and can be received at home rather than having to wait at the testing facility. Anyone with a positive test will be asked to undertake a confirmatory PCR test.
Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “Regular testing is so important to help prevent people with no symptoms from spreading the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.
”I’d like to encourage everyone to attend a local test centre or pick up a supply of free test kits to use at home especially as we continue to travel and socialise more and rates in local communities remain high.”
This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.