A new Covid-19 asymptomatic testing centre aimed at identifying positive cases in communities and breaking chains of transmission is set to be launched in Musselburgh.
The facility located at the previous Stoneyhill Community Centre, which is expected to open by early May, will offer testing to people without Covid-19 symptoms, who may be infectious and spreading the virus without knowing it.
Almost 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but are potentially passing the virus on to loved ones, friends and others in the community.
People from around East Lothian who do not have Covid-19 symptoms are encouraged to attend at Stoneyhill for tests once it has opened. By volunteering to get tested, people will be helping to fight the pandemic.
The test method – lateral flow – is quick and easy. The swabs do not need to be sent to labs for analysis and the results should be known quickly.
Volunteers are being sought to welcome and assist visitors to the centre for tests – including directing people to the correct area. People can find out more and register interest in participating on the Volunteer Centre East Lothian website.
The opening of the facility at Stoneyhill, which is expected to stay open for several months, is part of ongoing, wider, asymptomatic national testing.
Meanwhile, mobile testing units provided by the Scottish Government and staffed by the Scottish Ambulance Service, will be deployed in East Lothian for a further four weeks. Under the current schedule they will visit Longniddry, Prestonpans, Whitecraig, Port Seton, Tranent and Dunbar and for people without COVID-19 symptoms. Find out more and view the locations here.
East Lothian Council is working to develop additional, flexible arrangements for asymptomatic community testing, as required on a localised basis across in East Lothian.
Anyone in Scotland who develops COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate and book a PCR test via NHS Inform or by telephone on 0300 303 2713
Sharon Saunders, Head of Communities, East Lothian Council, said:
“While very welcome progress is being made in curbing the spread of COVID-19, getting tested to check if people have the virus – even if there are no symptoms – is likely to continue being an important part of the journey back to a more ‘normal’ way of life.
“Although the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out, the virus does still present a significant risk to public health and, as it’s possible to have and be spreading COVID-19 without knowing it, the last thing we want to do is undermine the progress of recent weeks.
“We would like to thank everyone who has visited one of the mobile test units in local communities since March.
“As well as encouraging people to remember ‘FACTS’ and follow the current rules, community asymptomatic testing in East Lothian is being ramped up with the opening of the new test facility at Stoneyhill Community Centre in Musselburgh.
“Visiting the facility, or one of the mobile test units, means you can help your community, families and friends stay safe and slow down the spread of this devastating virus.
“Please come forward for testing to help to reduce transmission of the virus in this area. The centres will also give advice about support for isolation for people with a positive test.
“In the meantime, the mobile test units will be operating for a further period with visits to Longniddry, Prestonpans, Whitecraig, Port Seton, Tranent and Dunbar.
Q&A
What happens at the test?
The facility at Stoneyhill and the mobile units are safe and secure and follow the strictest hygiene and cleaning guidelines. Staff will support and guide you throughout your visit.
When you attend a site please ensure that you are wearing a face covering and continue to follow physical distancing guidance.
The test you are taking is called a lateral flow test. You will be asked to register using your mobile phone. If you don’t have a phone, you will be assisted to register.
You will be directed to a booth where you will get instructions on how to take the test.
The test involves taking a swab to your tonsils and up your nose. The swab is put into a tube and taken away by a member of staff to be analysed.
After you have taken the test please return to your home or car and stay there until you receive your test results. Please do not go shopping to carry out any other activities until you receive your test results.
You will receive your results approximately 45 minutes after you take the test.
If you don’t have a mobile phone, a member of staff will ask you to wait in a designated area. Please wait here until a member of staff tells you your results.
What happens if the test results are negative?
This would mean that you are not carrying the virus at that time but please continue to follow the public FACTS public health guidance and any other relevant protection measures in place in the local area.
What happens if the test results are positive?
You need to take what is called a PCR test to confirm your positive test results. A PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detection infection. You can arrange this through the NHS Inform website:
Or alternatively by telephoning 0300 303 2713.
You will be advised to attend for a PCR test at the appropriate location for the local area (this will not be Stoneyhill, which is for asymptomatic testing only). In the meantime, you will need to self-isolate other than to attend for your PCR test.
If your PCR test is then positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date you receive the result of your PCR test. NHS Test and Protect will then contact you and ask you to identify any close contacts you may have been in touch with. Everyone in your household and any other close contacts will need to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of your PCR test.
What happens if the test results are void?
You will need to take what is called a PCR test. A PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detection infection. You can arrange this through the NHS Inform website:
Or alternatively by telephoning 0300 303 2713.
You will be advised to attend for a PCR test at the appropriate location for the local area (this will not be Stoneyhill, which is for asymptomatic testing only). In the meantime, you will need to self-isolate other than to attend for your PCR test.
What should I do if I do have symptoms of COVID-19?
As the Stoneyhill facility is for asymptomatic testing only, if you have symptoms of COVID make an appointment elsewhere through the NHS Inform website:
Self-help guide: Access to testing for coronavirus | NHS inform
Or telephone: 0300 303 2713
The phone line is available between 7 am and 11 pm Mon - Sunday
If you have tested positive for COVID, you must self isolate.
If you need general advice (not Health advice), advice on self-isolation support grants, assistance with food or assistance with fuel poverty either:
- Access the Council webpages: Coronavirus/COVID-19 | East Lothian Council
- Email: publicinformation@eastlothian.gov.uk
- Phone our helpline: 01875 824300
Other helpful telephone numbers:
- East Lothian Council 01620 827827
- 24 hour emergency line 01875 612818
- Emergency Social Work 0800 731 6969