Rapid coronavirus testing is now available for people without symptoms in South Lanarkshire.
The community testing initiative – in partnership with the Scottish Government, NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council – aims to drive down local Covid-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.
And South Lanarkshire residents who don’t have any of the three Covid symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.
Testing is available at Larkhall Leisure Centre, 9.30am to 5.30pm, and there is no need to book.
This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices, which can give people their results in around 45 minutes. Any positive cases will then be confirmed by PCR test.
Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate.
Dedicated support is available to those who meet certain criteria and who need to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support.
Gabe Docherty, NHS Lanarkshire’s director of public health, said; “Covid-19 can be spread by people who don’t have symptoms or the symptoms are so mild people may not recognise that they have the infection.
“For the benefit of yourself and your community, I would encourage people who do not have Covid-19 symptoms to get a test. The test results will help to detect the virus and limit its spread.”
Michael McGlynn, South Lanarkshire Council’s executive director of community and enterprise, said: “The majority of people across South Lanarkshire have been doing their bit and keeping to the restrictions but, inevitably, some people in our towns and communities will be infectious with Covid-19 but won’t have any of the known symptoms. Because they don’t know they are infectious, this means they may be unwittingly spreading the virus while they are moving about in public.
“The new rapid community testing facility provides a further opportunity to identify and support people who may be positive so they can isolate, and it will help to reduce the spread of coronavirus and keep people in South Lanarkshire safe.”
Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from nhsinform.scot
