Another Covid mobile testing unit will be operating in Ayrshire next week.
The temporary facility is pitching up on Monday in Stewarton which becomes the latest area of the region to host a mobile testing service.
It will operate from the Rose Reilly Sports Centre on the East Ayrshire town's Kilwinning Road from 10am to 6pm.
People who have COVID-19 symptoms can get a free swab test as part of the government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.
Tests must be booked in advance at https://www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816 and people should get their results the following day.
The booking portal for the Stewarton site will open from 6pm on Sunday, January 31.
If you're going to be tested, you will be required to follow public health measures including:
- physical distancing;
- not travelling by taxi or public transport;
- practising good personal hygiene;
- wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the mobile testing sites).
You should only book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).
If you have any of these symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately, only leaving home to take a test. You should continue to self-isolate until you have received your result.
If you're attending the mobile testing centre, you'll be asked to confirm your identity on arrival. You will then be issued with a test kit and directed to a testing booth, where you will be given guidance to help you do the swab test yourself by taking swabs from both the nose and mouth.
The swab test takes less than a minute and is relatively pain-free. After safely completing the test, a testing assistant will advise you how to register your test online or by phone and then how to exit the centre. You should receive your result the next day.
If you test positive you will be contacted by NHS Scotland tracers.
They will let you know how long you and your household should self-isolate for and help you identify who you have been in contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Your close contacts will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.
