UPDATED: Symptom-free people in five more towns in the Borders can get a Covid-19 test next week

Jedburgh firefighter Kirsten Hume, Leanne Ford from the BGH Testing Unit and Private Glenn Crawford on duty at Jedburgh's Fire Station for covid testing. (Photo: BILL McBURNIE)

This week has seen NHS Borders set up community testing sites at Jedburgh, Hawick, Kelso and Eyemouth fire stations.

Now it as been announced that the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels will host the testing programme from Thursday, March 25, to Sunday, March 28.

In addition, the following fire stations will now be carrying out testing next week: Eyemouth (March 20-22); Coldstream (March 22-23); Lauder (March 23-24); Duns (March 24-26); Selkirk (March 27-29).

Testing is available from 10.30am to 3pm with booking available up to 24 hours in advance..

The community testing programme continues to roll out across the Borders through partnership working between NHS Borders, Scottish Government, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Borders Council and the Armed Forces.

Anyone who lives, works or volunteers in the Borders can book a Covid test 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 www.nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Director of Public Health Dr Tim Patterson said: “Our Community Testing Programme offers quick Covid-19 tests to people who are not experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms.

“It may seem counterintuitive to get tested when you do not have any symptoms, but around a third of people with Covid-19 do not experience symptoms. To protect each other we need to find these ‘silent cases’ which would otherwise go unnoticed and stop them from spreading in our communities.

“Anyone who receives a positive test result will be asked to self-isolate, along with their household. Dedicated support 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. There is also a Self-Isolation Support Grant of £500 which can be offered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund and you can find out more on the Scottish Government website.

“Please also bear in mind that a Covid-19 test shows a snapshot in time – when the test was taken. So even if you receive a negative test result it is important that you continue to stick to the rules and guidelines. This will help to reduce your exposure to the virus and keep you as safe as possible when you are out and about for essential purposes such as food shopping.”