Residents in communities across Grampian asked to join fight against Covid-19 by getting tested before symptoms strike

Published: 02/02/2021 13:55

Community testing for people without Covid-19 symptoms is being introduced in six locations across the region to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Grampian and Fife were named as the two regions where this form of testing is to be trialled in an announcement by Health Secretary Jeane Freeman earlier this month.

NHS Grampian is currently working closely with the local authorities in Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray to establish Community Asymptomatic Testing (CAT) centres in Peterhead, Old Aberdeen, Buckie, Lossiemouth, Forres and Elgin.

The sites will begin offering tests from mid-February using lateral flow devices, which provide people with rapid results – typically around 30 minutes.

Public health director Susan Webb said: “About one third of people who have Covid-19 don’t experience any symptoms, so this is an important milestone in the expansion of Grampian’s testing programme that may help us to contain and suppress the virus.

“Once the sites are operational, we will be asking people to make use of them if they are concerned that they may have been placed at increased risk in order to provide an additional method of detection.”

Community Asymptomatic Testing for Covid-19 may provide you with additional peace of mind if:

  • where you live or work places you at increased risk
  • you have found it difficult to socially distance when visiting somewhere
  • you (or someone you care for) is classed as vulnerable

However, a negative result is a snapshot in time and people should continue observing FACTS guidance to protect themselves and others. Wear a Face covering, Avoid crowds, Clean your hands, stay Two metres apart and Self isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council Cllr Andy Kille said: “We have seen great successes in recent months where communities have worked with us to get on top of localised outbreaks. Towns like Peterhead, and other settlements of that size, remain vulnerable to the spread of Covid-19, so we are mobilising teams to support this programme.

“Testing people with no symptoms could provide an insight into the spread of virus and putting resilient communities like Peterhead at the heart of the fight back against the virus.”

Anyone testing positive with a lateral flow test will have their result confirmed using a PCR test so that they can self-isolate to help stop the spread.