Fire stations are part of a new plan to trial new testing sites for Covid-19 in rural Scotland.
The pilot scheme, which takes place in Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute, and Thurso in the Highlands, will commence from Wednesday January 6 for those local to the stations with symptoms to receive a test.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said the move could help give people “more consistent” access to coronavirus testing.
READ MORE: Level 4 area gets new walk-through coronavirus testing centre
Testing at the fire stations will be available for three-and-a-half hours each day Monday to Friday until January 29.
People with symptoms, after calling NHS Highland to request a test, will be able to take it themselves at both sites and leave it there for collection.
Alternatively they can collect a test for someone else and return it to the fire station for courier collection.
As well as making the fire stations available, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will provide logistic support by ordering tests and storing samples prior to them being collected by courier.
Ms Freeman said: “Although there are currently a range of options for people in remote and rural areas to get tested, these options are not always convenient or on their doorstep.
“With this trial our aim is to give people with Covid-19 symptoms in these areas more consistent access to testing and to see whether this approach could be adopted across other remote and rural areas of Scotland if successful.
“Our advice remains the same – if you develop Covid-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, fever or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste), you should immediately self-isolate and book a test. This is especially critical against a backdrop of rising cases.
Between 6 - 29 Jan, those with #coronavirus symptoms in Thurso & Lochgilphead can book a test at their local fire station, as part of a trial to increase test access in remote & rural areas.
— Scot Gov Health (@scotgovhealth) January 5, 2021
☎️01463 706015 to book a test at one of these trial sites.
➡️https://t.co/G0aEM7X7bY pic.twitter.com/1XxoYqAXgS
READ MORE: Cases, deaths and hospital admissions: The latest coronavirus data for your area
“I am grateful to the SFRS, Argyll and Bute Council, Highland Council and NHS Highland for their excellent partnership working in making this trial possible, and for their ongoing support throughout the pandemic.”
Assistant chief officer Stuart Stevens, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s director of service delivery, said: “Our fire stations at Thurso and Lochgilphead are ideally placed to facilitate the distribution, collection and storage of test kits within a safe and secure location, providing a service far closer to home for those who may unfortunately be experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
“Both stations will maintain the capability to respond to emergencies.”
He added: “It is imperative that everyone in Scotland has access to consistent testing and particularly within our more rural and remote communities.
“We will continue to support the Scottish Government, our partners and communities wherever possible through this challenging time.”
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