As daily cases of Coronavirus reach record highs, Community Coronavirus Testing for Stirling residents is available in Callander until Sunday 29th August.

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.

There is also the opportunity to pick up Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits to take home in a pack of seven as part of efforts to reduce levels of Covid-19 across Stirling.

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 26th August: 12pm-4.30pm
• Friday 27th August: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Saturday 28th August: 9.30am-4.30pm
• Sunday 29th August: 9.30am-4.30pm

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “This week we have seen one of the sharpest rises in new cases across Scotland we have experienced at any point during the pandemic. That alone should make people aware that there is no room for complacency in trying to suppress the virus.

“That is why community testing is so important. As restrictions ease this testing remains an incredibly effective way in which we can all do our bit to prevent its spread.

“Remember, even if you’re not showing any form of symptoms, it is still possible that you may have the virus and can pass it on to others. Please, do your bit and help keep others safe.”

The testing units are part of a national programme of walk-in testing. The initiative aims to drive down local Covid-19 rates 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.

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.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “The large increase in positive case shows the virus is widespread in local communities across in Forth Valley and the rest of Scotland. The Delta variant is also much more transmissible which is why regular 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.