Mobile testing units are being deployed in East Lothian for a further four weeks in a bid to help identify positive cases of COVID-19 in people who are asymptomatic and break chains of transmission.
Longniddry is being added to the schedule for next week.
Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, are invited to visit for a test. People are welcome to attend on a walk-in basis although there is the option to book a test in advance.
As per the current schedule the units are operating at the Port Seton Centre and the The Mercat Bar & Grill, Whitecraig, on Friday, 23 April and Saturday, 24 April.
The schedule for next week is:
Monday, 26 April
- Longniddry Community Centre
- Prestonpans Community Centre
Tuesday, 27 April; Wednesday, 28 April; Thursday, 29 April
- The Mercat Bar & Grill, Whitecraig
- Port Seton Centre
Friday, 30 April; Saturday, 1 May; Sunday, 2 May
- Loch Centre, Tranent
- Dunbar Leisure Pool
The units are available to the public from 10am-6pm. Locations have been identified on a targeted basis in co-operation with public health colleagues, using the most up-to-date data looking at virus prevalence.
The schedule thereafter will be confirmed in due course.
The units are being provided by the Scottish Government and staffed by the Scottish Ambulance Service.
It's possible for people who have been tested to return for a further test at a later date, in order to check that they have not become infectious.
Sharon Saunders, Head of Communities, East Lothian Council, said:
“Progress continues to be made in curbing COVID-19. However, the virus does still present a significant risk to public health and the last thing we want to do is undermine this progress.
“The vaccination programme and testing are key parts of the national strategy for returning to a less restrictive way of life.
“We would encourage as many people as possible to attend the mobile testing units.
“If you’ve already been tested, you can return to take another test to check if you’ve picked up the virus.
“Visiting a local asymptomatic testing facility means you can help your community, families and friends stay safe and slow down the spread of this devastating virus.
“Support will be available for anyone who tests positive for the virus.”
Meanwhile, it’s now possible for people to order free packs of rapid lateral flow tests to be sent to their home. Find out more about how to order tests online.
The council website will be kept updated with information on community testing arrangements in East Lothian. More info at: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/testing