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.
Community testing sites are also currently open at the Maxwell Centre, Cowdenbeath, and the Glebe Centre, Kirkcaldy.
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 for COVID-19. 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.
“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.”
The Chapel Neighbourhood Centre will initially open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. These times may change according to demand.
Testing at all community testing sites is available to anyone without COVID symptoms who lives in the north Kirkcaldy area and members of the public will be able to access testing on a drop-in basis without the need for 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.
“Of course, 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.
“Not everyone is lucky enough to have family, friends or good neighbours nearby who can help with things like getting groceries or picking up prescriptions. Some people are only a week’s wages away from absolute poverty and can’t afford not to work.
"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. So please come along and get tested.”
Members of the public should take their mobile phone to the centre if they have one 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.
Do not attend if you:
- have COVID-19 symptoms
- are currently self-isolating because you have been identified as a close contact
- have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days
Community testing sites will be open on a time-limited basis. There will be flexibility as to how long sites remain open based on the latest data and testing uptake.
Further information and updates on the Fife community testing programme is available at www.nhsfife.org/communitytesting.
