Rapid Covid-19 testing sites to roll out across Midlothian

Rapid Covid-19 testing sites for people with no symptoms of coronavirus are set to be rolled out across Midlothian in the coming weeks.

Let us know what you think and join the conversation at the bottom of this article

The community testing initiative aims to drive down local rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly.

Funded by Scottish Government, the programme will offer testing to people with no coronavirus symptoms, who may be infectious and spreading the virus without knowing it.

Community testing using lateral flow tests will begin on Tuesday April 20 when the first centre opens in Mayfield and Easthouses Church.

This first walk-in test centre will operate for two weeks and will be open from 11am to 6pm Tuesdays to Saturdays inclusive. It will be run initially by military personnel with support from Midlothian Council staff.

People living in and around Mayfield and Easthouses who do not have Covid-19 symptoms will be encouraged to come forward for tests from Tuesday April 20. By getting tested, people will be helping to fight the pandemic while providing information about asymptomatic infection rates in the community.

There will be no need to book an appointment for any of the asymptomatic testing sites. It is designed as a walk-in service available for everyone without symptoms who live or work locally.

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices, which can give people their results within an hour.

Anyone testing positive will be asked to self-isolate and given advice about getting a PCR test to confirm the result.

Derek Oliver, chief officer place said: “Midlothian is doing very well. Asymptomatic testing centres are a really useful tool in our efforts to keep rates of coronavirus low at a local level.

“It’s really important that as many people as possible come along and get tested, as people can spread the virus long before symptoms appear.”

The asymptomatic testing programme is currently expected to last six months and Midlothian residents will be able to check which sites are open by visiting the council website for the latest locations, opening dates and times.

Residents will also find useful information on practical and financial support available in Midlothian should they need to self-isolate.

Anyone with the symptoms of Covid-19 should not come to the asymptomatic test site but visit nhsinform.scot to book a PCR test or call 0800 028 2816 if they cannot get online.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.