ADDITIONAL COVID-19 testing capacity has been introduced in the region – with the creation of a walk-through testing centre in Dumfries.
The fixed-location facility which opened in Brooms Road Car Park in Dumfries on Tuesday is one of a number of walk-through test centres being set up across Scotland by the UK Government.
From Thursday January 14 the centre will be open 7 days a week – with appointments available from 8 am to 8 pm
As with accessing all UK government testing sites, tests must be booked in advance at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.
People travelling to and from the test centre must NOT use taxis or public transport.
People should wear a face covering while travelling to and from the test centre, and while in the centre.
Tests in this centre are self-administered. This involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat. The process is simple, only takes a few minutes, and full instructions are provided. Staff are on hand to provide additional support for vulnerable people and those with disabilities.
Home testing kits are also available and come with comprehensive instructions to guide you through administering the swab yourself. These kits are delivered and collected by Amazon and Royal Mail, and they do not have access to the results or any health data.
For information, visit https://www.nhsinform.scot/…/coronavirus-covid-19-testing
NHS Dumfries and Galloway Interim Director of Public Health Valerie White said: “This is a welcome addition to local testing capacity for the region and will allow changes to be made to the mobile testing units schedules to expand testing coverage across the region.”
Council Leader Elaine Murray said: “I welcome the opening of this walk-through testing centre, which opens today and will provide a quick and convenient way to be tested, 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, from Thursday.”
Depute Leader Rob Davidson said: “In the current situation, we must do all that we can to curb the spread of Covid-19. I urge people to use this testing facility to ensure that they aren’t risking their own wellbeing and that of others.”
