Universal Covid-19 Testing Launches in the Borders

Today, Monday 26 April, universal Covid-19 testing using take home lateral flow kits will be launched in the Borders.

 These home test kits will be available to anyone who does not have Covid-19 symptoms. The kits can be ordered for delivery to your home or picked up from our local walk through test site at Langlee Community Centre (Marigold Dr, Galashiels, TD1 2LP) between 3:30pm and 8pm.

Director of Public Health, Dr Tim Patterson, said: “We welcome the expansion of testing people who appear well and encourage you to consider taking advantage of either this new offer or our existing community testing programme.

“Both of these programmes are aimed at finding cases that would otherwise go undetected so that we can identify people who are asymptomatic (not showing symptoms despite having Covid). This enables those people to self-isolate and avoid transmitting the virus to those around them.

“Lateral flow devices are easy to use and provide rapid results, although please remember even if you receive a negative test Covid-19 is still circulating and as restrictions are eased further, you are more likely to come into contact with other people which increases your risk of being exposed to Covid.

“So please remain vigilant, continue to stick to the rules and remember the FACTS:

• Face coverings in enclosed spaces
• Avoid crowded places
• Clean hands and surfaces regularly
• Two metre distancing; and
• Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms”

Tests for people who don’t have symptoms can also be undertaken at our community testing sites which have been running since 15 March:

Community testing dates and locations for the coming weeks are:         

These sites provide rapid Covid-19 testing between 10:30am and 3pm for people who are well and without any Covid-19 symptoms. You can book your test ahead of time by calling 01896 826370 or emailing ATS.Service@borders.scot.nhs.uk.

These sites are only for people without symptoms. Anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via the NHS Inform websiteor by calling 0800 028 2816.

Dedicated assistance is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support through calling your Community Assistance Hub on 0300 100 1800.

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

Further information about this testing initiative can be found on the NHS Borders Community Testing Programme webpage. 

Notes to Editors

• This Community Testing Programme is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Borders Council and the Armed Forces.
• The Self-Isolation Support Grant is a £500 grant which can be offered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund via local authorities in Scotland. You can find out more on the Scottish Government website.