ADDITIONAL options for COVID-19 testing are becoming available within Dumfries and Galloway.
Mobile Testing Units in the region continue to provide testing for people with symptoms and those who do not, with tests arranged by appointment in advance.
However, this week saw the introduction of new fixed location testing facilities which are specifically for people who do not have symptoms, and which can be accessed without a prior appointment.
Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “These asymptomatic testing facilities have opened in each of the four localities in Dumfries and Galloway – with one in Annandale and Eskdale, another in Nithsdale, one in Stewartry and another in Wigtownshire.”
“These are drop-in facilities for anyone who is not experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus but who wants to be tested.
“These facilities can identify someone who does not have symptoms but is currently at risk of passing COVID on to others. If the result is positive, then the NHS team will be in touch to discuss actions.
“However, it must be remembered that these tests offer just a snapshot of a particular point in time. Anyone who tests negative could still go on to develop COVID, and so everyone needs to continue following all of the FACTS guidance.
“It should also be stressed that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID should not visit one of the dedicated asymptomatic testing facilities but instead should immediately self-isolate along with their household and arrange to be tested either by one of the mobile testing units which move across the region regularly, at the fixed location site in Brooms Road Car Park in Dumfries, or via a home testing kit.”
Full details around these arrangements are available on the webpage www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/
The four new asymptomatic testing facilities have been introduced thanks to partnership working involving Dumfries and Galloway Council, The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, The Ministry of Defence, a variety of community organisations and volunteers, and NHS Dumfries and Galloway.
The four facilities are based at the following locations, and are operating seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Ryan Centre, Stranraer
- Carlingwark Outdoor Centre, Castle Douglas
- Loreburn Hall, Dumfries
- Annan Rugby Social Club, Annan
Numbers of new COVID-19 cases are continuing to decrease within the region, including in Wigtownshire which previously saw high numbers. This is doubtlessly due to an excellent public response.
As such, schedules for the mobile testing facilities have once again been adjusted to ensure they can be of most help – including a reduction in frequency in Stranraer. However, the MTUs are continuing to visit locations across the region with regular frequency.
For full information on the full range of COVID-19 testing opportunities within Dumfries and Galloway, please visit the webpage www.nhsdg.co.uk/testing/
