Ex-Hearts and Hibs assistant Billy Brown urges East Lothian residents to get tested even if no symptoms

Football coach Billy Brown is urging East Lothian residents to get tested even if they have no symptoms of Covid-19.

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Billy who won the Scottish Cup with Hearts in 1998 as Jim Jefferies’ assistant, recently visited the COVID-19 testing centre located at the former Stoneyhill Community Centre, Musselburgh.

The facility was set up to identify positive cases in people who live in East Lothian who are showing no symptoms of the virus.

Billy getting tested at the at the former Stoneyhill Community Centre, Musselburgh

Billy, whos crossed the Capital’s football divide in 2011 to take up an assistant role at Easter road,and also coached Bradford City, Kilmarnock, Falkirk, East Fife and Cowdenbeath, said taking the test was quick and easy.

Health chiefs said while progress is being made in the fight against Covid-19 and with the rollout of the vaccination programme, the virus is still a risk.

Even if someone has received their vaccination getting tested means they can find out if they are positive, and self-isolate to stop the spread of the virus to others.

Figures suggest almost 1 in 3 people who have the virus don’t show any of the usual symptoms but are potentially passing it on to loved ones and people in the community.

Billy said getting the test was quick and easy

Billy who is now a youth coach with Musselburgh Windsor, said: “It was easy to take the test and the staff were friendly and helpful.

“It’s really quick so I’d encourage folk to pop along to Stoneyhill – it just means that, even if you feel OK, you can check if you have the virus to stop it spreading.

“It’s important for people to know that it’s possible to have the virus but not show any symptoms.”

No appointment is required and people can get tested more than once at the facility, which is open to everyone from East Lothian as long as they don't have symptoms of Covid-19 - a fever, cough, or loss or change of smell.

Anyone who does have symptoms needs to book a test elsewhere. Mobile testing units are also available in a number of East Lothian communities and people can also use these if they have no symptoms of the virus.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is due to make an announcement on Tuesday regarding the areas of the country which will be easing restrictions to level one from June 7.

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