Covid-10 testing service extended for Borderers

Rapid Covid-19 testing is being extended across the region this week and next.

NHS Borders has extended its service to provide free, rapid Covid-19 tests across the region.

Borderers are being encouraged to visit their local fire stations to be tested in Eyemouth (today), Coldstream (today and tomorrow), Lauder (Saturday and Sunday) and Duns (Sunday to Tuesday).

Next week the teams will be returning to the following towns:

Galashiels (at the Volunteer Hall), April 12-15; Selkirk Fire Station, April 14-16; West Linton Fire Station, April 16-17; Peebles Fire Station, April 17-19; and Innerleithen Fire Station, April 18-19.

These sites provide rapid Covid-19 testing for people who are well and without any Covid-19 symptoms between 10.30am-3pm on those days.

You can book your test ahead of time by calling 01896 826370 or emailing [email protected].

These sites are only for people without symptoms. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via the NHS Inform website or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Director of Public Health, Dr Tim Patterson, said: “As lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease it is vital that everyone continues to play their part to do everything they can to keep Covid-19 cases as low as possible.

“Community testing of those who feel well and do not have any typical Covid-19 symptoms is one of the key ways that we can keep each other safe. Around a third of people with Covid-19 show no symptoms so it is important that we identify these individuals and support them to self-isolate, therefore breaking the chains of transmission.

“We would encourage anyone in these towns to consider getting a rapid Covid-19 test, even if you have had one previously. It takes about five minutes to get tested using a lateral flow device (LFD) and your results will be sent to you by text message.

“A negative test result can provide a degree of reassurance that you really were Covid-19 free at the point in time when the test was taken. However, it is crucial that you still continue to stick to the rules and remember the FACTS.”

Dedicated assistance is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support through calling your Community Assistance Hub on 0300 100 1800.