A mobile testing centre for Covid-19 is to be set up in Alloa after an increasing number of people in the area have tested positive for coronavirus. There is evidence of spread in the community and local care homes and the virus has also affected local schools.

The mobile testing centre will be in place at:

• The car park to the rear of Alloa Town Hall from Thursday 26th November until Wednesday 9th December 2020.

Anyone who lives or works in Alloa can arrange to get tested, whether they have symptoms or not, via the GOV.UK website or by calling 0300 303 2713. Anyone booking online who does not have any symptoms should select the option ‘My local council or health protection team has asked me (or someone I live with) to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’ when asked why they are requesting a test.’ Appointments will only be released each evening for the following morning and in the morning for appointments that afternoon.

People are asked not to turn up at the testing centre without booking an appointment in advance to help avoid overcrowding and keep people safe. Anyone attending should also wear a face mask or covering and observe the rules on physical distancing by staying at least 2 metres apart (6ft).

The decision to move a mobile testing centre into the area has been taken after NHS Forth Valley and Clackmannanshire Council joined forces to urge the people of Clackmannanshire to do their part to stop the spread of Covid-19 and comply with the Level 3 restrictions currently in place.

Dr Graham Foster, Director of Public Health, NHS Forth Valley, said: “We have seen an increase in the number of positive cases across Clackmannanshire over the last few weeks and evidence of spread within local communities. I would therefore like to encourage local people to get tested even if they currently feel well as there is evidence that some people can have Covid-19 without displaying any of the common symptoms.”

Council Leader Ellen Forson said: “As the First Minister said in Parliament earlier this week, case levels in Clackmannanshire are causing some concern and are being closely monitored. Both myself and the Council’s Chief Executive remain in close contact with the Scottish Government and public health officials to ensure that we all have a full understanding of the latest situation in Clackmannanshire.

“I was very keen that a mobile testing unit come to Alloa as it is another way we can stop the spread of this virus. I would like to thank everyone involved in supporting our request. I urge as many people are possible to book a test.”

Here’s the steps local people should follow to help protect themselves and others:

• Stay two metres apart from other people – wearing a face mask does not protect you from Covid-19 so you still need to keep your distance
• Improve ventilation – most cases are transmitted indoors in small spaces so open your windows at work and at home where you can
• Work from home if you possibly can
• Do not go into anyone else’s household – even for a short period of time
• Do not share a car with anyone outside your household
• Do not travel to another local council area – even if it is covered by same Covid-19 protection levels
• If you are asked to self-isolate because you have had a positive test result or have been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive please do it properly and do not leave the house until the date you have been told
• If you have taken a Covid-19 test because you have symptoms you must stay at home until you get the result

Anyone who develops symptoms of Covid-19 should self-isolate immediately along with members of their household and book a test as soon as possible via www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect.

The symptoms of Covid-19 are any of the following:

• A high temperature or fever
• A new, continuous cough
• A loss of, or change in sense of smell or taste