The Scottish Government is set to review a lack of COVID-19 testing facilities in Perth.
It comes following concerns raised by the Scottish Greens.
Mark Ruskell MSP told the Scottish Parliament’s COVID committee on Wednesday that the city does not have either a drive through or walk through testing centre.
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The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Mark Ruskell also said students at UHI Perth college were being told to travel to Dundee for tests, despite Scottish Government commitments around testing for students.
Scotland’s clinical director Professor Jason Leitch said the Scottish Government has had limited influence over access to home tests because they are run by the UK Government.
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He added: “I am happy to look at Perth if the member thinks that there is a challenge in that particular locality.
“I am not aware of there being a particular demand there that is not being met.”
Mr Ruskell said after the meeting: “If you live in Perth and you display symptoms, your only option is to travel to Dundee, possibly on public transport. This isn’t good enough.
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“We know that we can only track and control the spread of COVID-19 through a robust test and trace strategy, and Scotland currently depends on a privatised UK-wide testing system that has struggled with demand.
“A simple change would be to prioritise home tests for people who have no private transport, ensuring that no-one is forced to take public transport to a neighbouring city simply to get a test.
“The case for more testing, including for those who are not showing symptoms, is clear. We cannot get a clear picture of what is happening in Perth unless residents have access to tests.”
