All Scots over the age of five who are showing signs of coronavirus are now eligible for testing.
Previously in Scotland, only over 65s, key workers and those who cannot work from home were invited for Covid-19 testing, as well as members of their households.
Testing across the UK has now been extended to adults and children over five who are symptomatic, meaning anyone with a continuous cough, high temperature or loss of taste or smell - a new signposted symptom flagged by the Scottish Government yesterday (Monday).
If you are experiencing symptoms then you can book at test at the drive-through or mobile test centres, and a small number of home kits will also be made available to those who can’t get to a test site.
The move is part of the government’s new Test, Trace, Isolate and Support (TTIS) approach as the country looks towards moving out of lockdown.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This further expansion of testing will ensure that anyone with symptoms will be able to find out if they have COVID-19, and will therefore be able to know whether or not they should be isolating.
“As well as allowing more people to have a case of COVID-19 confirmed, the expansion will also be helpful as we build towards our strategy of test, trace, isolate and support – something that will be especially important as we start to emerge gradually from lockdown.
“This is vital in order to keep transmission in communities low.”
Tests can be booked online here by anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms - you can also call 0300 303 2713 if you don’t have access to the internet.
The government advice is that under fives are less likely to be affected by Covid-19, but if you’re worried about your child’s health then you’re advised to call NHS 24 on 111.
