NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health Team is reminding members of the public about the system for requesting a Covid-19 test.
It follows a rapid rise in requests for tests across Ayrshire.
Testing teams across the country have seen a sharp spike in testing requests since pupils went back to school, particularly from parents concerned for their children.
Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health, said: “We know that testing is vital in helping us to prevent a rise in Covid cases. However, there are clear processes in place, and we are reminding members of the public how those processes works.
“Only people who are symptomatic need a test, unless you are explicitly asked to get a test by public health as part of the management of an outbreak.”
It comes after Ayrshire residents were yesterday told their nearest centre was in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, over 125 miles away and a mere four-and-a-half hour trek, each way.
That came after a 'major spike' in demands for tests and the health board are asking the public to only book a test if you have a new persistent cough, shortness of breath, a temperature/fever or a loss of taste or smell.
They add that NHS 24 will not be able to organise a test for you or your family and want to remind members of the public that while family members need to self-isolate if someone in their household develops symptoms, they do not need to be tested unless they themselves go on to develop symptoms.
And if you have been advised to self-isolate, you must do this even if you have been tested.
Ms McNiven added: “If you are contacted by our Test and Protect contact tracing team to tell you that you are a close contact of somebody with Covid-19, you do not need a test, but you must isolate for 14 days. It is important to note that if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case then you will still need to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result of any test.
“If you do develop symptoms and are ill or worried about your health, call NHS 24 on 111 for medical help. Only call NHS 24 if you need medical advice to deal with your illness.
“And please remember, don’t bring your child to the Emergency Department if they have mild symptoms and you only require a test. This will delay getting access to testing, and we don’t want to potentially put others at risk of infection.
“Thank you for your continued support and patience. We all need to work together as we enter this next phase in the fight against the virus.”
