Asymptomatic Covid-19 Testing Centre Opening in Govanhill
Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre where testing will take place
From the 1st March, Govanhill residents who are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 are being encouraged to attend a new pop-up walk-in test centre at the Govanhill Neighbourhood Centre, 6 Daisy Street.
It is part of a phased roll-out of asymptomatic testing right across Glasgow. The aim is to identify those who may be spreading the virus without knowing it - and by finding these positive cases in communities, break chains of transmission.
The centre will use Lateral Flow Tests which usually involve taking a swab from the back of the throat and the nose. The swab is then dipped into an extraction solution which is dripped onto a paper pad, producing the reaction that gives the result. The swabs do not need to be sent to labs for analysis and the results should be known within an hour.
The programme is funded by Scottish Government and the centre will be staffed by Armed Forces. The centre will be in place for several weeks. Appointments are not necessary although opening times are still to be confirmed.
Dr Linda de Caestecker, Public Health Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“We know that COVID-19 is often spread by people who don’t have symptoms or they are so mild they do not recognise they have the infection.
"Asymptomatic testing enables identification of infection so that people are not spreading the infection to their families, work colleagues or the wider community as they go shopping or exercising. This has the potential to reduce spread overall. That means we will be more likely to be able to reduce restrictions more quickly. Asymptomatic testing will also help us learn about the rate of infection in people not showing signs of the virus. Please come forward for testing to help to reduce transmission of the virus in this area. The centres will also give advice about support for isolation for people with a positive test.”
Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon highlighted that, no matter what the test result, social distancing rules still apply:
“A test only tells us if we are positive at the point in time that we are being tested. It does not mean that we can stop following all of the rules and guidelines which are in place to protect all of us. Testing is only one layer of protection against this virus – all others, including vaccination and the FACTS guidance work to greatest effect when they work together, so it is essential people continue to follow the restrictions currently in place to suppress COVID to the lowest possible level in Scotland.
“This expansion has been made possible as our testing capacity has increased but it could not have happened without the support of our local partners, and everyone involved in Scotland’s testing programme, from diagnostic staff to sample takers, and I want to pay tribute to each and every one of you as we continue to work to suppress this virus together.”
Another testing centre will be opening in the Central Mosque at the same time, and further facilities will be set up in other Glasgow neighbourhoods in coming weeks.
Anyone who does have Covid symptoms such as fever, new continuous cough or loss of / change in taste or smell should isolate straight away and book a test at NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.