Asymptomatic Testing Site to be available in Maybole next week

Rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing will be available in Maybole for people without symptoms from Monday 26 July.

The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government; Scottish Fire and Rescue; University of West of Scotland (UWS); and the three local authorities in Ayrshire and Arran, aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.

Residents who don't have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.

Lisa Davidson, Assistant Director of Public Health for NHS Ayrshire & Arran, explains: "With the restrictions easing, it is great to be able to mix more with family and friends. On the flip side, this means more opportunities for the virus to spread.

"Testing helps us to identify more cases of the virus and give us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.

"Even those who are fully vaccinated should get tested regularly - this means twice a week. If you are a key worker and must attend work, it is even more important to get tested regularly.

"And it is really important if you are visiting a loved one in hospital or a care home, or if you are travelling to a Scottish island."

There is no need to book, and testing is available at the following location from Monday 26 July until Sunday 1 August:

• Maybole Town Hall, High Street, Maybole KA19 7BZ -10.00am - 6.00pm

This site is 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.

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices (LFD), which can give people their results in around 45 minutes. Any positive cases will then be confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test.

Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate.

Dedicated support is available to South Ayrshire residents who need to self-isolate, including access to food, pharmacy and financial support. People who need help should call 01292 616101 or visit https://beta.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/coronavirus .

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

Lisa Davidson adds: "A test only tells us if we are positive at the point in time that we are being tested. It does not mean that we can stop following the current rules and guidelines in place to protect all of us.

"And make sure you get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine when it is offered to you. Getting vaccinated is likely to be the most important thing you do this year."

• F - Face coverings. These should be used in shops and on public transport (buses, trains and taxis);
• A - Avoid crowded places;
• C - Clean your hands frequently, using water and soap whenever possible;
• T - Two metres - observe physical distancing;
• S - Self-isolate and book a test if you are suffering from COVID-19 symptoms.