Coronavirus testing near me: can I get tested for Covid-19 in Edinburgh?

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus can now get tested, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced

If you think you have symptoms of Covid-19 and want to find out where you can get tested in Edinburgh, here’s everything you need to know.

Who can be tested?

The Government has expanded its list of people who can get tested for coronavirus, which now includes all essential workers, and anyone with symptoms whose work cannot be done from home (Photo: Shutterstock)

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that anyone with in the UK with symptoms of coronavirus can now be tested. Prior to this, testing was limited to anyone over the age of five and before this, testing in Scotland and England has previously been limited to people with symptoms who are key workers and their families, hospital patients, care home residents, over-65s and those who need to leave home to work.

In Northern Ireland and Wales, testing was just for key workers, hospital workers and care home residents.

When is testing most effective?

The test is only guaranteed to be accurate if someone is symptomatic.

The government advises that you should get tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing, although testing is considered effective up until day five.

How do I arrange a test?

The NHS explains that, you can ask for a test:

for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

For further information, visit the NHS website or Gov.uk

What does the test involve?

The NHS notes, “The test usually involves taking a swab of the inside of your nose and the back of your throat, using a long cotton bud.

You can do the swab yourself or someone can do it for you.”

Where are the test centres in Edinburgh?

There’s a drive-through facility at the Chalmers Sexual Health Centre in Edinburgh for NHS staff, with NHS Lothian revealing that more than 2,300 Covid-19 tests have been carried out there since it opened on 26 March.

A new facility at West Lothian College is also providing appointment-based nose and throat swab tests for NHS staff and carers.

A new drive-through testing centre was opened at Edinburgh Airport on 16 April. Those who are eligible to be tested can be tested here.