Landmark Week for LFD Covid-19 Testing in the Borders

This has been a landmark week for Covid-19 testing with lateral flow device (LFD) home test kits being made available to everyone in Scotland.

These home test kits are available to anyone who does not have Covid-19 symptoms and 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: “This has been a landmark week for Covid-19 testing with lateral flow device (LFD) home test kits being made available to everyone in Scotland. Testing helps to find cases that would otherwise go undetected, break chains of transmission and limit the spread of Covid.

“If you feel well and do not have any Covid-19 symptoms but are not already receiving regular Covid-19 testing through another route, such as your workplace or school, we would strongly encourage you to take advantage of either this new universal LFD testing offer or our community testing programme.  

“Although Covid-19 rates in the Borders remain low, this virus is still very dangerous and the more that restrictions ease, the more likely you are to come into contact with other people, some of whom may unknowingly carry the virus.

 “So please get tested regularly, 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”

Community testing is being offered at local fire stations* in the following towns over the next few weeks:

These sites provide rapid Covid-19 testing for people who are well and without any Covid-19 symptoms between 10:30am and 3pm. 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.