Aberdeenshire community Covid-19 testing centre to open at the Rescue Hall in Peterhead
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A new drop in test facility for those without Covid symptoms is being introduced in Peterhead for the next 12 weeks from Friday, February 26.
The Community Testing Centre will operate out of the Rescue Hall on the town’s Prince Street from 8am-4pm during the first week and thereafter from 8am-8pm seven days a week.
It is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the town and results will be provided on the day.
It is estimated that one in three people with coronavirus do not display symptoms and therefore some individuals will be spreading the virus without realising it.
Testing without symptoms is entirely voluntarily but we urge as many people to do it as possible.
By taking the test, residents will be able to better protect their family, colleagues and the wider community by ensuring they are not spreading the virus to others without knowing it.
You don’t have to book for the test and people are being encouraged to pop down when they are returning home from essential trips such as food shopping/collecting prescriptions so as not to make more journeys than strictly necessary.
You could be unwittingly spreading the virus to your loved ones or colleagues so please attend the Peterhead Community Testing Centre in the Rescue Hall on Prince Street or if you are shielding then please request a home test kit by calling 01467 468820.
The test centre will adhere to strict Covid-secure measures and Aberdeenshire Council staff - trained and supported by health partners - will be on hand to direct people around the facilities. Measures in place include a socially-distanced queuing system outside and a clear one-way route inside the test centre.
People attending will be asked to self-test by taking a swab sample from the back of their throat or nose.
Once tested they will be asked to return home and wait for their results which will take around 30 minutes.
Anyone testing positive with this lateral flow test will be notified directly by the NHS and must immediately self-isolate and book a test online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or call 0300 303 2713.
There is support for those needing to isolate - call the Grampian Assistance Hub for more information on 0808 196 3384.
You should not attend the Community Testing Centre if you:
• Have Covid symptoms
• Have had a positive test in the last 90 days,
• Are currently self-isolating as a close contact or are a shielder
Buchan Area Committee chairman councillor Norman Smith said: “Testing of those without symptoms is absolutely vital in reducing transmission rates and helping to protect the public and protect an already under-pressure NHS.
“We will inevitably see an increase in the number of positive cases in Peterhead as a result of this testing but this early identification of symptom-free cases and subsequent self-isolation will help to stop the spread of the virus.”
Buchan area manager Amanda Roe added: “By getting tested not just once but regularly, residents will be looking out for one another, keeping the people they love safe and helping to fight Covid in their community.”
