Stirling’s second Coronavirus community testing unit will go live in Callander this Thursday for residents across the region.

Rapid Coronavirus testing will available from Thursday 1st April – Saturday 3rd April for people throughout Stirling who do not currently have Coronavirus symptoms.

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 to introduce walk in testing for people that, although not displaying any symptoms, may wish to be tested.

There is no need to book and testing is available at McLaren Leisure Centre on the following dates:

• Thursday 1st April – Saturday 3rd April: 12pm-6pm.

Receive your results at home

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 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.

Stirling Council Chief Executive Carol Beattie said: “These tests 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 local testing efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus in their communities.

“Many people who have Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms or indeed any symptoms at all but are potentially passing the virus on to loved ones, friends and others in the community.

“By getting tested you can find out if you are positive, and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others, by self-isolating.”

Help reduce the spread in our communities

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are still seeing new cases of coronavirus cases in Forth Valley and we know that many people with Covid-19 don’t experience any of the common symptoms. This new testing facility will make it easier and quicker for people who don’t have any symptoms of Covid-19, to get tested to ensure they are not able to spread the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.

“Anyone with symptoms of Covid-19 or who is living with someone who has symptoms, even very mild ones, should continue to book a test via NHS Inform and should not attend the Callander testing centre as this is only for people who do not have any symptoms.”

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.

More Information

Answers to FAQs on asymptomatic testing.

Further information on Covid-19 is available on the NHS Inform website.