Rapid COVID-19 community testing continues to be available in Aviemore
Issued in partnership with NHS Highland
Rapid COVID-19 community testing will continue to be available in Aviemore on Saturday 5 June and from Monday 7 June to Friday 11 June.
The community testing programme offers rapid COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms, and a mobile asymptomatic testing unit was deployed to Aviemore on Wednesday 2 June. There had been small clusters of cases and the people traced to these clusters have been isolating. The mobile testing unit will now remain in Aviemore until Friday 11 June.
At this point, there is still no evidence of wider community transmission. The testing will help identify any asymptomatic cases that may occur, and allow people to become confident in using the test kits.
The mobile testing unit will be available for drop-in testing for anyone without symptoms at:
Aviemore Retail Park, Grampian Road, Aviemore PH22 1RH
Saturday 5 June 10:30am-4pm
Monday 7 June 9:30am-5pm
Tuesday 8 June 9:30am-5pm
Wednesday 9 June 9:30am-5pm
Thursday 10 June 9:30am-5pm
Friday 11 June 9:30am-5pm
The testing process takes ten minutes, and results are usually sent within an hour, though may occasionally take up to 24 hours.
The test uses the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) and is easy to administer. Results will be sent by text and/or email to those attending, so there is no need to stay on site. Guidance is provided on what to do if a test is negative, positive or unclear.
By getting tested, you can help your community, families and friends stay safe and slow down the spread of coronavirus. It also helps to show us how the virus is spread.
No appointment is necessary to receive a test. When you arrive at the mobile testing unit, you will first be asked to wait outside, before being registered and entering. You will then be escorted to a testing booth.
LFD tests for people without COVID-19 symptoms can also sent to your home, in packs of 7, by visiting the UK Government's coronavirus support page (external link).
The LFD test is used in some workplaces already, including schools. If you already get tested through your workplace or education setting you should continue to use those routes.
Dr Tim Allison, Director of Public Health with NHS Highland, said: “Many people who have coronavirus (COVID-19) have no symptoms, and will be spreading it without realising. By expanding community testing we will be able to identify more cases giving us a better chance of stopping COVID-19 from spreading.
“Testing for those without symptoms, asymptomatic testing, will help us to identify those who are positive but do not have symptoms. We can then advise them to self-isolate and therefore prevent spread. Anyone that tests positive with an LFD needs to get a confirmatory PCR test. More testing helps to show us how the virus is spread and will help us reduce risk.”
Whilst the unit is being deployed, anyone that has symptoms of COVID-19, or has been identified as a close contact of COVID-19, must access PCR testing.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should self-isolate immediately and seek a PCR test. Symptoms include new continuous cough, fever, or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste. If you have symptoms, you should not use an LFD test.
Similarly, you should not attend asymptomatic testing sites if you are currently self-isolating because you have been identified as a close contact, or if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days.
PCR tests for people with COVID-19 symptoms can be arranged by visiting nhsinform.scot (external link) or by calling 119. PCR tests are also available at Grantown and Kingussie Fire Stations, for more information call Rural Testing at 01463 706 015.