Edinburgh Airport opens drive-through coronavirus testing centre for 'priority' key workers

Test appointments will be given to key workers who are self-isolating and showing Covid-19 symptoms, or anyone who lives in a key worker’s household and is showing symptoms. Results will be sent back within three days.

The new facility at Edinburgh Airport is part of a growing number of sites across the UK set up to test frontline NHS staff by the UK Government.

A drive-through testing centre is being set up at Edinburgh Airport. | JPIMedia

Testing was initially prioritised for those working in areas like critical care, emergency departments and ambulance services. However, as more labarotory capacity bcame available, the approach has been extended to community, mental health and primary care services, along with social care.

The latest test centre details were sent to an Edinburgh-based key worker in an email which has been seen by the Edinburgh Evening News.

Covid-19 swab tests

The email says key workers will be directed to a ‘testing lane’ on site and a member of staff will instruct them to lower the car window for a throat and nose swab test for Covid-19.

It says another person in your household should drive you to the test site if you are unable to do so yourself.

The email also urges people not to risk contaminating anyone else by asking someone who is not a member of their household to take them to the test centre.

Local arrangements are in place for staff who do not drive to be driven to the testing centre.

After the test, people should continue to self-isolate at home until receiving the result by text within the next 72 hours.