COVID-19 testing is now available for everyone across Dumfries and Galloway, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 is asked to immediately self-isolate along with their household, and to continue self-isolating until they receive a test result.
However, in a further evolution of testing within the region, from Thursday 18 February anyone who does not have any symptoms but who is concerned they may have COVID-19 can arrange to be tested at one of the mobile testing units.
Those who have no symptoms and are being tested DO NOT need to self-isolate while waiting for their test results, although this remains a vital step in preventing further spread for anyone with symptoms – even if mild.
Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “We’ve seen an evolution and expansion of testing capacity in recent weeks, as part of wider national developments.
“We’re happy to say that capacity is in place to allow a broadening of testing arrangements, with the hope that this may lead to more cases of COVID-19 being detected – helping to stop the spread.
“We appreciate that people may need to travel to access asymptomatic testing, but we anticipated that access to testing for people without symptoms will increase over coming weeks.
“Up until now, testing has largely been reserved for those people experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which are:
A raised temperature
New, continuous cough
Change to or loss of sense of taste and/or smell
“However, we’re now able to provide access to testing for people who do not have any symptoms, but who still want to be tested.
“It is really important to remember that a negative test result only means you do not have coronavirus at the point of the test. You may go on to subsequently develop coronavirus, and therefore it is critical that even with a negative result you continue to follow all the FACTS guidance and abide by the current rules.
“While we’re happy to be able to announce this development, we continue to work with our colleagues nationally to see where testing resources can be deployed.”
All tests must be arranged by making an advance appointment.
Tests can be arranged from 6.30 pm the day before being tested by visiting https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or, for those without internet access, by phoning 0300 303 2713. Those without symptoms will need to state that they are taking part in a Government Pilot Project, and then select the option ‘The person is taking part in community testing’ in order to be allocated a test.
Upcoming mobile unit testing locations are:
- Thursday 18 February 2021 – Stranraer – Ashwood House, DG9 7JJ
- Thursday 18 February 2021 – Newton Stewart – Riverside Car Park DG8 6NQ
- Thursday 18 February 2021 – Gretna – Richard Greenhow Centre DG16 5AQ
- Friday 19 February 2021 – Stranraer – Ashwood House, DG9 7JJ
- Friday 19 February 2021 – Dalbeattie – Water Street Car Park DG5 4JX
- Friday 19 February 2021 – Thornhill Community Centre DG3 5LH
- Saturday 20 February 2021 – Sanquhar – FUN Pool, Blackaddie Rd DG4 6DB
- Saturday 20 February 2021 – Annan – Swimming Pool DG12 6AQ
- Saturday 20 February 2021 – Stranraer – Ashwood House, DG9 7JJ
- Sunday 21 February 2021 – Castle Douglas – Market Street Car Park DG7 1AE
- Sunday 21 February 2021 – Langholm – Kilngreen Car Park, DG13 0JN
- Sunday 21 February 2021 – Sanquhar – FUN Pool, Blackaddie Rd DG4 6DB
- Monday 22 February 2021 – Stranraer – Ashwood House, DG9 7JJ
- Monday 22 February 2021 – Moffat – Station Car Park DG10 9HF
- Monday 22 February 2021 – Sanquhar – FUN Pool, Blackaddie Rd DG4 6DB
- Tuesday 23 February 2021 – Sanquhar – FUN Pool, Blackaddie Rd DG4 6DB
- Tuesday 23 February 2021 – Castle Douglas – Market Street Car Park DG7 1AE
- Tuesday 23 February 2021 – Annan – Swimming Pool DG12 6AQ
- Wednesday 24 February 2021 – Annan – Swimming Pool DG12 6AQ
- Wednesday 24 February 2021 – Sanquhar – FUN Pool, Blackaddie Rd DG4 6DB
- Wednesday 24 February 2021 – Lockerbie – McJerrow Car Park DG11 2BJ
- Thursday 25 February 2021 – Annan – Swimming Pool DG12 6AQ
- Thursday 25 February 2021 – Newton Stewart – Riverside Car Park DG8 6NQ
- Thursday 25 February 2021 – Gretna – Richard Greenhow Centre DG16 5AQ
- Friday 26 February 2021 – Moffat – Station Car Park DG10 9HF
- Friday 26 February 2021 – Dalbeattie – Water Street Car Park DG5 4JX
- Friday 26 February 2021 – TBC
- Saturday 27 February 2021 – Lockerbie – McJerrow Car Park DG11 2BJ
- Saturday 27 February 2021 – TBC
- Saturday 27 February 2021 – Stranraer – Ashwood House, DG9 7JJ
- Sunday 28 February 2021 – Newton Stewart – Riverside Car Park DG8 6NQ
- Sunday 28 February 2021 – Langholm – Kilngreen Car Park, DG13 0JN
- Sunday 28 February 2021 – TBC
