17 March 2021

The community testing programme continues to roll out across the Borders through partnership working between NHS Borders, Scottish Government, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Borders Council and the Armed Forces.

Next week testing for people without Covid-19 symptoms will available at Fire Stations* in these towns:

Eyemouth 20-22 March
Coldstream 22 & 23 March
Lauder 23 & 24 March
Duns 24-26 March
Galashiels (Volunteer Hall) 25-28 March
Selkirk 27-29 March

(*except for Galashiels where testing facilities will be in the Volunteer Hall)

Anyone who lives, works or volunteers in the Borders can book a Covid test by calling 01896 826370 or emailing ATS.Service@borders.scot.nhs.uk.

Testing will be available from 10:30am to 3pm, 7 days a week with test booking available up to 24 hours in advance. Locations of testing sites will vary each week, so please check here for the latest information.

These sites are only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via www.nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Director of Public Health Dr Tim Patterson said: “Our Community Testing Programme offers quick Covid-19 tests to people who are not experiencing any Covid-19 symptoms.

“It may seem counterintuitive to get tested when you do not have any symptoms, but around a third of people with Covid-19 do not experience symptoms. To protect each other we need to find these ‘silent cases’ which would otherwise go unnoticed and stop them from spreading in our communities.

“Anyone who receives a positive test result will be asked to self-isolate, along with their household. Dedicated support 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. There is also a Self-Isolation Support Grant of £500 which can be offered through the existing Scottish Welfare Fund and you can find out more on the Scottish Government website.

“Please also bear in mind that a Covid-19 test shows a snapshot in time – when the test was taken. So even if you receive a negative test result it is important that you continue to stick to the rules and guidelines, especially the FACTS. This will help to reduce your exposure to the virus and keep you as safe as possible when you are out and about for essential purposes such as food shopping.”

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

For further information on the Community Testing Programme within the Borders please visit: /patients-and-visitors/community-testing/