Efforts to continue reducing levels of Covid-19 across Stirling continue this week as community testing returns to Callander tomorrow, Thursday 3rd June.

Residents across Stirling who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 can voluntarily attend the Coronavirus testing unit, which will be available at McLaren Leisure Centre in Callander from Thursday 3rd June – Sunday 6th June.

There is also the opportunity to pick up Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits to take home in a pack of seven.

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “It is important that our communities remain vigilant and do all they can to help suppress the virus and prevent its spread across Stirling.

“With the easing of restrictions across Scotland, both continued testing at sites such as this Community Testing Unit available in Callander, and vaccination, are ways that people can help reduce the spread of the virus.

“This community testing is part of a national programme which is being scheduled on a rotational basis in different parts of Stirling for all of our residents.

“The tests are available for people without Coronavirus symptoms, are completely voluntary and are there for anyone who may want one. We are hoping that residents will recognise the benefits of getting involved in these local testing efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus in their communities.”

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

This is part of a national programme of walk-in testing for people that, although not displaying any symptoms, may still have the virus and be able to spread it to others.

There is no need to book and testing is available at McLaren Leisure Centre, Mollands Road, Callander, FK18 8JP on the following times and dates:

• Thursday 3rd June to Saturday 5th June 12-6pm.
• Sunday 6th June 9am-12pm.

Test results will be available in around 45 minutes and can be received at home rather than having to wait at the testing facility. Anyone with a positive test will be asked to undertake a confirmatory PCR test.

The national community testing initiative is currently rotating between Stirling’s two dedicated locations of Callander and Cowie.

The initiative 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 and many may not experience any symptoms at all.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are still seeing new cases of coronavirus in Forth Valley every day linked to local businesses, workplaces, households and schools which clearly shows the virus is still out there and hasn’t gone away.

“That’s why testing is so important to help prevent people with no symptoms from spreading the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.”

This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

(Featured image: Stirling Observer)