Free Covid testing kits for islanders

Free Covid-19 testing kits are available at Invercloy car park, behind the small Co-op in Brodick, for those without symptoms.

Available between 11am and 3.30pm, from Monday to Thursday, the test kits can be collected by anyone on Arran as long as they don’t have a new continuous cough, high temperature or a loss or change in sense of taste or smell.

The free test kits are part of a community testing initiative which 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.

Lisa Davidson, assistant director of public health for NHS Ayrshire and Arran, said: ‘Testing will help us to identify more cases of the virus and give us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.

‘It is important you are tested regularly, particularly if you are a key worker and must attend work. Even if you have been vaccinated, it is still important you get tested regularly. This is particularly important if you are visiting a loved one in hospital or a care home.’

Alternatively, you can arrange to have a test kit delivered to your home. To order a test, visit https:// test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/order-lateral-flow-kits/. Your order will contain one pack containing seven tests and it will be delivered to your home in one to two days.

These tests, for asymptomatic people, are lateral flow device (LFD) test kits and can produce a result in around 45 minutes. Any positive results can be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests which can be booked by calling 01770 601033. Anyone on Arran with Covid-19 symptoms, or anyone who has been identified as a close contact, should call this number and book a test.

Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate. Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support: https:// www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/Coronavirus.aspx

Further advice and information is available from www.nhsinform.scot.

Current travel advice to any Scottish island is to take two lateral flow tests before you depart.