The Coronavirus community testing unit for people without symptoms will be available to all Stirling residents when it returns to Cowie this Thursday, 20th May.

With Stirling Council having moved to Level 2 of the Scottish Government’s Coronavirus restrictions, it is important that residents continue to follow FACTS guidelines and do all they can to help continue to suppress the virus in their communities.

Rapid Coronavirus testing will available in Cowie from Thursday 20^th May – Sunday 23^rd May for people who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 . There is also the opportunity to pick up Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits to take home in a pack of seven.

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 Cowie Community Centre, Manse Park/Main St, Cowie, FK7 7BL on the following times and dates:

• Thursday 20^th May to Saturday 22^nd May 12-6pm.
• Sunday 23^rd May 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.

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “We know the easing of restrictions will be welcome news for residents and businesses, but we are asking everyone to please remain vigilant, continue to follow FACTS guidelines and use your judgement.

“With Stirling having now moved into Level 2, both vaccination and continued testing are ways 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.”

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said:  “We are pleased that the Covid-19 rates have fallen significantly and there are far fewer people with Covid-19 in local hospitals.

“However, there is no room for complacency as we are still seeing new cases of coronavirus in Forth Valley every day, 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.