A mobile testing centre for Covid-19 is to be set up in two villages near Stirling after a number of people in the Fallin and Cowie areas tested positive for coronavirus. There is evidence of spread in the local community and infections have also affected schools.

Residents are being notified via local media, social media and local community organisations, while posters will also be displayed at key locations in the communities.

The mobile testing centre will be in place for three days at the Alpha Centre (car park), Lamont Crescent, Fallin (FK7 7EJ), from Wednesday, 14 October to Friday 16 October 2020, between 10am and 5pm.

The facility will then move on to Cowie for three days from Saturday, 17 October to Monday, 19 October, between 10am and 5pm. It will be located at Cowie Community Centre (car park), Manse Park/Main Street, Cowie (FK7 7BL).

NHS Forth Valley Consultant in Public Health, Dr Henry Prempeh, said: “This is a precautionary measure but one which we feel is essential due to the villages being such a close-knit community. I would encourage local people to go along and have a test as experience shows that some people can still have Covid-19 yet not show any symptoms.”

People are being asked to book an appointment via the NHS Inform website: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/test-and-protect/coronavirus-covid-19-testing

If you can’t access the test form online you can also call 0300 303 2713 to make an appointment.

People should also wear a face mask or covering when they attend the mobile testing centre and observe the rules on physical distancing by staying 2 metres apart (6ft) form other people.

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

If you live in Fallin or Cowie you don’t need to show any of these three key symptoms to request a test.

Further information on Covid-19 is available on the NHS Inform website: www.nhsinform.scot