Around a third of people with Covid-19 do not show symptoms; Covid-19 testing is an important tool to identify cases which may otherwise go undetected. This enables us to break chains of transmission and limit the spread of this virus.
On Monday 26 April universal lateral flow device (LFD) Covid-19 testing becme available for everyone inScotland. Home test kits are available to anyone who does not have Covid-19 symptoms and can be ordered for delivery to your home online or by calling 119. Alternatively home test kits can be picked up from our local walk -through test site at Langlee Community Centre (Marigold Dr, Galashiels, TD1 2LP) between 3:30pm and 8pm.
This is in addition to our existing community testing programme which continues to be delivered in the Borders through partnership working between NHS Borders, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Government.
Community testing is being offered at local fire stations* in the following towns over the next few weeks:
Duns* (Volunteer Hall) 28 and 29 May
Galashiels* (Queens Leisure Centre) 31 May & 1 June
Peebles 31 May & 1 June
Lauder 2 & 3 June
Selkirk 2 & 3 June
Coldstream 4 June
Hawick 4 & 5 June
Coldstream 7 June
West Linton 7 & 8 June
Eyemouth 8 & 9 June
Innerthleithen 9 & 10 June
Newcastleton 10 & 11 June
Jedburgh 11 & 12 June
Sites are open from 10:30am to 3pm and appointments can be booked ahead of time by calling 01896 826370 or emailing ATS.Service@borders.scot.nhs.uk.
Testing at these sites is available for anyone who lives, works or volunteers in the Borders and is well (not currently showing Covid-19 symptoms).
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are a new: continuous cough; fever / high temperature (37.8°C or greater) and/or a loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia).
A new continuous cough is where you: have a new cough that’s lasted for an hour; have had 3 or more episodes of coughing in 24 hours or are coughing more than usual.
If you are experiencing symptoms please self-isolate and book a PCR test through the national system by visiting the GOV.UK website or calling 0800 028 2816.
For further information on community testing such as Frequently Asked Questions please visit the NHS Borders Community Testing webpage.