The locations where East Lothian residents with no symptoms of COVID-19 can get tested over the next week have been confirmed.
Options include visiting the testing centre in Musselburgh where people can get tested or collect a kit to take home; attending at a mobile testing unit; ordering home delivery of a testing kit online or collecting a testing kit from a community pharmacy.
It’s possible to have the virus and show no symptoms, whether you have been vaccinated or not. Testing helps people take immediate action if they test positive, by self-isolating to avoid spreading the virus to others. This is really important in helping all of us move to a less restricted way of life.
Test centre in Musselburgh
The test centre, within the former Stoneyhill Community Centre, is open 11am-6pm (Tuesday to Saturday). The address is: 5 Stoneyhill Farm Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RN.
Getting tested is quick and easy. No appointment is required and people can get tested more than once. The facility is open to everyone from East Lothian as long as they don't have symptoms - a fever, cough, or loss or change of smell. You can also visit the facility to collect a test kit to take home.
Mobile testing units
It's also possible, even if people have no symptoms, to get tested at one of the mobile testing units currently being deployed around East Lothian. The current schedule is below. You don't have to live in the community being visited on a particular day to get tested there. Times of operation are 10am to 6pm unless otherwise stated:
Monday 26 July
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Port Seton Centre
Loch Centre, Tranent
John Muir House, Haddington *
Tuesday 27 July, Wednesday 28 July & Thursday 29 July
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Mercat Bar, Whitecraig
Loch Centre, Tranent
John Muir House, Haddington
Friday 30 July
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Port Seton Centre
Loch Centre, Tranent
John Muir House, Haddington
Saturday 31st July & Sunday 1st August
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Loch Centre, Tranent TIL 5PM
Walk-in appointments are available. While appointments are not needed they are preferable as this will save time. Bookings can be made online from 6pm on the day before you get tested or by phone: 0300 303 2713. When asked why you are booking a test, select: ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’.
* Scottish Water will be carrying out essential works on Court Street, Haddington, from 19 July until 6 August. The road entrance/exit to John Muir House via Brewery Park will be temporarily closed from 22 July. Access for anyone visiting the COVID mobile testing unit in the car park, will be via Neilson Park Road only.
Home delivery of rapid lateral flow test kits
Another option if a person has no symptoms is get home test kits delivered to your home. Order free packs of rapid lateral flow tests online
Pick up a test kit from a local pharmacy
A number of pharmacies in East Lothian have stocks of rapid lateral flow test kits, which are suitable for home testing if you have no symptoms. You can check your nearest collection point online.
Testing for people with symptoms
Anyone with symptoms should make an appointment through the NHS Inform website or telephone: 0300 303 2713 (open 7am-11pm). They will be advised where to attend for a test.