Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) in Hawick

In light of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hawick, mobile testing is being made available in the town from tomorrow (Friday, 28 August).

A Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) will be based in the Teviotdale Leisure Centre car park on Mansfield Road between 3pm and 5pm from Friday until Wednesday, 2 September.

The MTU can only take a limited number of people each day so it is essential that only people with COVID-19 symptoms book a test. Other household members must self-isolate but should not be tested unless they too are showing any symptoms. The symptoms of COVID-19 are a high temperature or fever; a new continuous cough; or a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste.

Tests must be booked in advance. You can arrange your test by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or calling 0800 028 2816. Whilst you wait for your test all of your household members should self-isolate. Once testing capacity is reached within Hawick you may be directed to another testing location.

Mobile testing will still be available in Galashiels at the Netherdale Car Park between 10am and 1pm on these days. Again, tests must be booked in advance and only people with symptoms should request a test.

When booking a COVID-19 test online you are also given the option of ordering a home test kit if you cannot get to a test site.

Dr Tim Patterson, Joint Director of Public Health said: "It is vital that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms books a test, and by having a Mobile Testing Unit in Hawick over the next few days local residents should not have to travel far to get one. However it is crucial that only people who are symptomatic go through this process unless they are explicitly asked to get a test by public health as part of the management of the current outbreak. The symptoms are the onset of a persistent cough, or a temperature/fever, or a loss of taste or smell. You only need one of these to be tested.

"In terms of schools, all education settings in Hawick are currently safe places for children to learn. Unless your child has been asked to self-isolate by NHS Borders Test and Protect team they should attend school as normal. However it remains vital that no child attends school if they are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms.

"I realise that people in Hawick will have concerns about the virus as a result of this outbreak. Unfortunately this can lead to the circulation of unsubstantiated rumours, especially on social media. I would like to re-iterate that it is crucial for everyone in the community to follow our advice and avoid speculation and rumour about the outbreak.”