Stirling residents are being urged not to become complacent and continue to take part in Community Covid testing as Scotland moves “beyond Level 0”.

Level 0 ended across Scotland at midnight on Sunday 8th August with almost all of the remaining anti-Covid measures now removed.

With the legal requirement for physical distancing ending in most places and hospitality opening at full capacity, community testing is now more important than ever to control the virus in Stirling’s communities.

The Community testing unit returns to Cowie for five days from tomorrow, Wednesday 11th August, with an extra opportunity to get tested at Dobbie’s in Stirling on Saturday, 14th August.

Testing helps suppress the virus

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “With the further easing of restrictions and more of our society opening up, testing remains an incredibly effective way we can suppress the virus and prevent its spread. We have come too far in our fight against the Covid pandemic to become complacent to the risks the virus still poses to public health.

“Many of us in Stirling will have experienced the virus within our families and seen first hand the effect it can have. 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. The community testing is completely voluntary so please, if you have the opportunity, take the time to get involved.”

No need to book

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:

• Wednesday 11th August: 12pm-4.30pm
• Thursday 12th August: 9.30pm-4.30pm
• Friday 13th August: 9.30pm-4.30pm
• Saturday 14th August: 9.30pm-4.30pm
• Sunday 15th August: 9.30pm-4.30pm

The testing unit will be based at Dobbie’s Garden Centre, Drip Road, Stirling on Saturday 14th August from 12-4pm. There is also the opportunity to pick up Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits at each site to take home in a pack of seven.

Get your results at home

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.

New cases still being seen every day

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are still seeing new cases of coronavirus every day across Scotland, including in Forth Valley. 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.

“I would also encourage anyone who has not been vaccinated, for any reason, to drop in to one of our local Covid-19 vaccination sessions and to speak to local staff if they have any questions or concerns.”

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.

Featured image: allaboutthescones