Saturday April 17th 2021
Mayfield and Easthouses Church in Bogwood Road.
Rapid COVID-19 testing sites for people with no symptoms of coronavirus are set to be rolled out across Midlothian in the coming weeks.
The community testing initiative aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly.
Funded by Scottish Government, the programme will offer testing to people with no COVID-19 symptoms, who may be infectious and spreading the virus without knowing it.
Community testing using lateral flow tests will begin on Tuesday 20 April when the first centre opens in Mayfield and Easthouses Church, 2 Bogwood Road, Mayfield, Dalkeith EH22 5DG.
This first walk-in test centre will operate for two weeks and will be open from 11am to 6pm Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive. It will be run initially by military personnel with support from Midlothian Council staff.
People living in and around Mayfield and Easthouses who do not have COVID-19 symptoms will be encouraged to come forward for tests from Tuesday 20 April. By getting tested, people will be helping to fight the pandemic while providing valuable information about asymptomatic infection rates in the community.
There will be no need to book an appointment for any of the asymptomatic testing sites. It is designed as a walk-in service available for everyone without symptoms who live or work locally. Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices, which can give people their results within an hour.
Anyone testing positive will be asked to self-isolate and given advice about getting a PCR test to confirm the result. Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate.
Derek Oliver, Chief Officer Place said:
“Midlothian is doing very well. Asymptomatic testing centres are a really useful tool in our efforts to keep rates of coronavirus low at a local level. We can be flexible with where we set them up and they can be up and running quickly.
“It’s really important that as many people as possible come along and get tested, as people can spread the virus long before symptoms appear.”
The asymptomatic testing programme is currently expected to last six months. Midlothian residents will be able to check which sites are open by visiting www.midlotohian.gov.uk/get-tested for the latest locations, opening dates and times.
Residents will also find useful information on practical and financial support available in Midlothian should they need to self-isolate.
Anyone with the symptoms of Covid-19 – a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell should not come to the asymptomatic test site but visit nhsinform.scot to book a PCR test or call 0800 028 2816 if they cannot get online.
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