NHS Fife has launched a new community testing campaign encouraging people of all ages throughout the Kingdom to make regular testing part of their plans in the run up to the festive season and beyond.
With the Christmas countdown well underway, many of us are looking forward to spending time with family and loved ones. Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 have no symptoms but can still pass on the virus to others without knowing. Regular testing before going out can help to keep everyone around us safer.
Even after being vaccinated, regular testing as part of everyday life is just as important. Although vaccination provides very good levels of protection and reduces the risk of infection, it’s still possible to catch the virus then pass it on without knowing.
Dr Joy Tomlinson, Director of Public Health, NHS Fife, said: "Whatever plans are in store, we can all play our part in keeping everyone safer this festive season by making testing part of our regular routine before we go out.
“We can help break the chain of transmission by testing before we go out to meet up with others, visit busy places or going out and about Christmas shopping. Given the concerns around the emergence of the new Omicron variant of the virus, together we can help Fife move in the right direction.”
Lateral Flow Device testing (LFD) for people without symptoms is free, easy and quick. Community testing sites and mobile testing units are located throughout Fife, open seven days a week and there’s no need to book. People can just drop-in during opening hours.
Community testing sites now use nasal-only testing, avoiding the need to take a throat swab. The test only takes a minute and results are available within 15 minutes.
Nigel Kerr, Head of Protective Services, Fife Council, said: "Everyone visiting one of our community testing sites or mobile units will be fully supported throughout their visit by trained staff.
"Staff can help to record the result online and if anyone does test positive, they will be offered a follow-up PCR straight away. Staff will also be able to provide a range of support, from a food package to financial advice."
Community testing sites are located at:
- Kirkcaldy - Glebe Centre, Glebe Park, Kirkcaldy KY1 1BL
- Dunfermline – Leys Park Road Car Park, Dunfermline KY12 7QS
- Cowdenbeath – Maxwell Centre, 70 Stenhouse Street, Cowdenbeath KY4 9DD
- Rosyth – Parkgate Centre, 110 Primrose Lane, Rosyth, Dunfermline KY11 2UW
In addition, five mobile testing units operate across the Kingdom, bringing testing direct to communities and making it easier and more convenient for everyone to access a test.
Dr Duncan Fortescue-Webb, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Fife, said: “NHS Fife regularly reviews and uses the most up-to-date public health information to determine where mobile testing units should go to make the biggest impact and help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“For those preferring to test at home, free LFD home testing kits can also be picked up from all testing sites across Fife, participating community pharmacies or can be ordered for delivery direct to their door.”
People with COVID symptoms should self-isolate immediately to stop the spread of the virus to others and book a PCR test. To book a test and for further advice visit www.nhsinform.scot.
Anyone unable to book a test online or needing support booking a test, should call 119.
More information about community testing, testing site locations and opening hours is available at www.nhsfife.org/communitytesting.
The Community Testing Campaign Toolkit is available to download here https://www.nhsfife.org/campaignresources/.
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Community Testing in Fife [DOWNLOAD]
