How do I book a Covid test in Edinburgh? Where are Edinburgh's Covid test centres? All you need to know

All you need to know about booking a covid test in Edinburgh.

Coronavirus testing is now available to everyone in Scotland – whether you have Covid symptoms or not.

In Edinburgh there are a number of places you can get tested, or pick up a DIY home testing kit.

As the Capital opens up, it’s more important than ever to get a Covid test to prevent the virus spreading, and avert further lockdowns.

Remember, if you do test positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days at home.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you have coronavirus symptoms – including a continuous cough, fever, and loss/change of sense of smell or taste – you should take a PCR test.

This involves getting a swab of the throat and nose, and you should receive the results within 48 hours by text.

How to get a Covid test in Edinburgh - and where your local testing centre is

To book a PCR test, visit the UK Government website, call 119, or key workers can visit the UK essential worker website.

You can choose whether to attend one of the testing sites in Edinburgh (below) or to have a home testing kit delivered.

What to do if you do not have symptoms

If you don’t have Covid-19 symptoms, you can still get tested. Lateral flow tests are free and available to all.

About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms, so you can spread the virus to others without knowing.

You need to be over 18 to collect the tests, but children aged 12 and above can ask an adult to collect a lateral flow test for them.

They can be ordered straight to your home and a batch of seven should arrive within two days.

You can only order one pack per household each day on the UK Government website.

If you can’t place an order online, you can call 119 or visit your nearest Covid-19 testing site.

You can collect lateral flow tests from a test site and you do not need to book an appointment.

Where are Edinburgh’s testing centres?

Testing centres in Edinburgh are usually open between 3.30pm-8pm seven days a week.

But make sure to check the NHS website for updated opening times prior to your visit.

City Centre: Usher Hall, Lothian Rd, EH1 2EA

Granton: Ainslie Park Leisure Centre Car Park, EH5 2HF

Leith: Leith Library and Registry Office, EH6 4AE

Sighthill: Gate 55, 55 Sighthill Rd, EH11 4PB

Clermiston: Drumbrae Leisure Centre, 30 Drum Brae Terrace, EH4 7SF

Niddrie: Jack Kane Sports Centre, 208 Niddrie Mains Rd, EH16 4ND

Craiglockhart: Napier University - Craiglockhart Campus Car Park, EH141DJ

Newington: Newington Library, 17 Fountain Hall Road, EH9 2LN

Oxgangs: Oxgangs Library, 343 Oxgangs Road North, EH13 9LY

Turnhouse: Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh Avenue, Newbridge, EH12 9DN

Restalrig: Portlee Day Centre, 17 Hawkhill Ave, EH7 6BU

Ingliston: Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Newbridge, EH28 8NB

Useful numbers

The NHS Lothian Covid test helpline is available on: 0800 028 2816

The NHS Lothian Covid vaccination helpline is: 0300 790 6296

NHS Lothian delivers nearly 650,000 vaccinations

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