Community Coronavirus Testing is now available around Stirling via a new mobile testing service which will target higher footfall areas and harder to reach communities.

The new mobile testing will be available in different locations at the very heart of Stirling’s communities each day this/next week until Sunday 10^th October.

Residents across Stirling who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 can voluntarily attend the Coronavirus testing units.

There is no need to book and testing is available at the following locations and times:

• Monday 4th October – The Vue, Forthside car park, FK8 1QZ: 9.30am-5pm.
• Tuesday 5th October – Raploch Community Centre, FK8 1RD: 9.30am-5pm.
• Wednesday 6th October – Balfour Community Centre, Plean, FK7 8DS: 9.30am-5pm.
• Thursday 7th October – Kings Park, FK8 2RF: 9.30am-5pm.
• Friday 8th October – Aberfoyle Wool Centre, FK8 3UQ: 10am-4.30pm.
• Saturday 9th October – Callander Meadows, FK17 8BB: 10am-4.30pm.
• Sunday 10th October – Drymen Primary School, G63 0DY: 10.30am-4.30pm.

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: “This week there are a range of new locations within and around Stirling where members of the public can take part in community testing.

“Testing is one of the things that we can all do to help slow the virus down. The new mobile approach offers more opportunities than ever before to get tested, helping us target higher footfall areas and harder to reach communities.

“Covid-19 has not disappeared, it is still out there affecting our friends, families and communities, so it’s extremely important that we all continue to take care and be cautious for the sake of everyone in our communities.”

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: “Regular testing is so important to help prevent people with no symptoms from spreading the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.

”I’d like to encourage everyone to attend a local test centre or pick up a supply of free test kits to use at home especially as we continue to travel and socialise more and rates in local communities remain high.”

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.