Second asymptomatic COVID test centre opens in Kirkcaldy

It is at Chapel Neighbourhood Centre, and will initially open from 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday, and 11:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and Sunday.

It is the third asymptomatic centre test centre to open in the region – Maxwell Centre, Cowdenbeath, started up earlier this month, and Glebe Centre, Kirkcaldy launched at the start of this week.

Community testing sites provide testing for members of the public who have no symptoms associated with COVID-19 but who could be infectious and spreading the virus to others unknowingly.

The centres will also provide confidential support to assist anyone who tests positive and needs to self-isolate, with access to different financial support alongside practical measures, such as food packages.

Josie Murray, NHS Fife consultant in public health and health protection clinical lead, said: “We’re basing the locations of our community testing sites on the latest data we have, allowing us to focus on targeted local areas which would benefit most from having access to testing for short periods of time.

“Even at this early stage of the programme, we are seeing people without symptoms testing positive. As a result of the support that is available on-site, they are able to access the practical and financial support that they need to self-isolate.

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“By getting tested at a local centre, you can find out if you are positive even when you don’t have symptoms and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus.

“If we can find and isolate more positive cases, that will help us in reducing the spread of COVID-19 to others, and help us to protect our family, friends and the wider community.”

Testing at all community testing sites is available to anyone without symptoms who lives in the north Kirkcaldy area. Members of the public will be able to access testing on a drop-in basis without an appointment.

Testing is quick and easy with rapid results available. Sites are also safe and secure, with strict hygiene measures in place. Staff on-site will support you throughout the testing process.

Nigel Kerr, Fife Council head of protective services, said: “This kind of mass community testing provides invaluable information to the NHS and the Scottish Government and can help them when they are making decisions on lockdown restrictions.

“Anyone who tests positive will be asked to self-isolate, and we know that can be really difficult for some people - physically, mentally but, more often than not, financially.

"We don’t want these things to be a barrier to people getting tested. We have staff on site who can speak to you in confidence and help point you to the right support if you need it.”

Members of the public should take their mobile phone with them so that they can receive results. Alternative arrangements will be made for those who do not have a phone.

People should only attend community testing sites if they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms.

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