New asymptomatic COVID test centre set to open in Polmont

Polmont Sports Centre, on Salmon Inn Road, is the venue for the new asymptomatic test centre, which will open from 10am to 8pm, Wednesday to Sunday each week.

No appointments are necessary for the ‘drop-in’ service which will be manned initially by military personnel.

The test itself takes around 30 minutes with results given the same day either by phone or text.

The centre will remain open until at least May 17, although it will be closed during the week beginning May 3, due to the Scottish Parliamentary elections.

It will be operated by military personnel for the first couple of weeks and then by Falkirk Community Trust staff who will manage the venue.

You should not attend the new Polmont testing centre if you are displaying any symptoms (even mild) of COVID-19 and instead arrange a test via NHS inform or by calling 0300 303 2713.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s director of public health, said: “We are still seeing a high level of coronavirus cases in Forth Valley and we know that many people with Covid-19 don’t experience any of the common symptoms.

https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/people/take-a-look-back-at-80-high-flying-years-of-falkirk-470-squadron-air-cadets-3151247

https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/news/politics/council/polmont-carwash-gets-go-ahead-for-new-hot-food-takeaway-plan-3150159

"This new asymptomatic testing site in Polmont will make it easier and quicker for people who live and work in the local area, who don’t have any symptoms of Covid-19, to get tested to ensure they are not able to spread the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.

“Anyone with symptoms or who is living with someone who has symptoms, even very mild ones, should continue to book a test via NHS Inform and should not attend the new testing site.”

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “Almost one in three of those who have COVID-19 do not display any of the usual symptoms and asymptomatic testing is a vital tool to help stop the spread of the virus."

Anyone who receives a positive test result will have to self-isolate and support is available, including food packages and financial help.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FKH/V