Asymptomatic Testing Sites – Week commencing Monday 26 April

Rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing is now available for people without symptoms in Ayrshire.

The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scottish Fire and Rescue, University of West of Scotland (UWS) and the three local authorities in Ayrshire and Arran, 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.

Ayrshire residents who don’t have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.

Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, explains: “Testing will help us to identify more cases of the virus and give us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.

“It is important that you are tested regularly, particularly if you are a key worker and must attend work. These centres are there to be used as regularly as you need to. Make sure you check the website regularly so you know when we are in your area.

”Please remember also, even if you have been vaccinated, it is still important that you get tested regularly.

“And if you are planning to travel to a Scottish island, you are encouraged to take two lateral flow tests for COVID-19 before you depart – one three days before you depart, and one on the day of departure. This is an important way to reduce the risk of bringing COVID-19 into island communities. Pre-departure testing covers travel to all Scottish islands, including Arran and Cumbrae. For more information go to gov.uk/communitytesting.”

There is no need to book and testing is available from the following locations seven days a week from 10am to 6pm:

East Ayrshire:
- From Friday 9 April until Friday 7 May:
  - The Strand, 15 Strand Street, Kilmarnock KA1 1HU
North Ayrshire:
- From Thursday 22 April until Wednesday 28 April:
  - Brisbane Centre, Bath Street, Largs KA30 8BL
- From Thursday 29 April until Wednesday 19 May:
  - Unit 24, Bridgegate, Irvine KA12 8BJ
South Ayrshire:
- From Monday 19 April until Sunday 2 May:
  - Ballantrae Community Centre, The Vennel, Ballantrae KA26 0NH

These sites are only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, or anyone who has been identified as a close contact, 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 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate. Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support:

East Ayrshire: https://eastayrshi.re/covidsupport
North Ayrshire: https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/Coronavirus.aspx
South Ayrshire: https://beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from nhsinform.scot.

Lynne McNiven adds: “However, a test only tells us if we are positive at the point in time that we are being tested. It does not mean that we can stop following all of the rules and guidelines which are in place to protect all of us.

“The FACTS guidance remains as important as ever. This will help to protect our families, communities and the NHS.”

F – Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis)
A – Avoid crowded places.
C – Clean your hands frequently, using water & soap whenever possible.
T – Two metres – observe physical distancing.
S – Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.