Calls for Covid-19 testing centre in Moray
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MORAY Conservatives today launched a campaign to have coronavirus testing facilities in Moray after instances of locals facing long journeys to get tests.
Meanwhile, Moray SNP MSP Richard Lochhead said he has also taken action to see that constituents have access to testing facilities in the region.
Moray Conservatives Douglas Ross MP and Councillor Tim Eagle say they have been contacted by several concerned residents on the issue.
Cllr Eagle, leader of the Conservative group on Moray Council, said: "In the past two days I have been contacted by several families who have faced long commutes to Inverness or Aberdeen in order to be tested for Covid-19.
"These commutes have involved having to take sick children on five-hour round trips.
"With schools now back we face the increasing likelihood that more tests will need to be done amongst staff – particularly teachers – and our young people. Yet with no testing available in Moray, each of those will face a significant journey to get the test done.
"Test and trace is supposed to be the bedrock of protection moving forward to ensure we can quickly isolate and contain any outbreak. If we have local people in Moray waiting days for the results of home test kits or facing long commutes, we risk increased spread of any outbreak."
Cllr Eagle and Mr Ross have today written to NHS Scotland requesting that testing facilities are provided here in Moray.
Mr Ross added: "The safety of everyone in the local area is our top priority but it’s crucial the Scottish Government’s test and trace capabilities are sufficient at this point in the pandemic to ensure we keep on top of this virus.
"It’s clear we need a testing centre in Moray that everyone can access.
"Many people have raised genuine concerns with me about the long journey they face to Inverness or Aberdeen and sometimes even further afield to get a test.
"A local testing centre here in Moray is clearly required and I hope NHS Grampian and the Scottish Government treat this request as a priority and we can get a testing site available for everyone in Moray up and running very soon."
Mr Lochhead said he had already written to Scotland's Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman, and NHS Grampian about the urgent need for testing facilities in Moray "because we need constituents to have access to testing facilities on their doorstep".
Mr Lochhead added: "I have been told that Elgin and Huntly should be offered to people who book a test but I have sought assurances that these facilities will be made available to the wider public as well as essential workers and teachers and their families."
He said that, due to issues with the UK-wide booking system, a number of constituents were offered tests long distances away from Moray earlier this week. He said he had been told that the issue was being addressed.
