A new walk-through coronavirus testing centre has opened in Hamilton.
The UK Government opened the facility today (Friday, December 11) at Eddlewood Public Hall.
It is easily accessible for people without a car.
Tests must be booked in advance at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816. People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste).
Gabe Docherty, director of public health for NHS Lanarkshire said: “The public health department continues to contact-trace positive cases and clusters in our community and this addition to the UK testing provision is welcome.
“I want to thank the public for their co-operation in reducing spread of the virus and ask that they please remain vigilant. The general measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 remain the same – face coverings, avoid crowded places, clean your hands , two metre distance, self-isolate and go for a test if you have symptoms.
“Please do not hesitate if you have symptoms. It’s critical that you go for a test and this walk-in centre is a very welcome addition to our testing capacity.”
The test centre is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history.
In Scotland, this comprises six drive-through sites, 20 walk-through sites, 21 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.
In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all Covid testing and test processing outside of the NHS.
Around two-thirds of all daily tests are provided by the UK Government, in support of Scotland’s health services.
Health Minister Lord Bethell said:“To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch. We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test.
“New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live. If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus.”
Baroness Dido Harding, interim executive chair of the National Institute for Health Protection, said: “Walk-through sites offer communities better access to coronavirus testing, so everyone with symptoms can get a test. This new site is part of our ongoing work to expand our testing network across the UK which now has the capacity to process more than 500,000 tests a day. We will continue to expand capacity to improve test turnaround times and push forward testing innovations to make sure anyone who needs a test can get one.
“Please book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms – a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss or change in sense of smell or taste – and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart, said: “The UK Government is helping all parts of the UK fight the coronavirus pandemic.
“Testing is vital, helping to manage local outbreaks and protecting people’s livelihoods. The UK Government is providing the bulk of Covid testing in Scotland, and this new walk-through centre is just the latest in our extensive testing network.
“We are pleased to be working with local and commercial partners. These sites are not possible without the hard work of many people. I would like to thank everyone involved for their incredible efforts for the good of the country at this difficult time.”
Simon Venn, Mitie Chief Government & Strategy Officer, said: “Our priority during the pandemic is to support the nation’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and help keep the country running. Testing is a critical part of the UK’s strategy to combat coronavirus and we’re proud to support the UK Government with this vital task. A big thank you to all the NHS staff, Mitie employees and other frontline heroes in Hamilton, who are working tirelessly to keep us all safe.”
East Kilbride also has a walk-throughtest facility at the Red Deer Centre.
