NHS test plea as Covid cases rise in Dundee and Lanarkshire

People in Dundee and Lanarkshire are being urged to get tested after a surge in coronavirus infections.

NHS Tayside said that the new variant of Covid-19 circulating the city is more infectious as it “strongly encouraged” residents to get tested at the Dundee International Sports Centre – where a mobile testing unit will visit an extra three days a week.

Infections of coronavirus are also rising across Lanarkshire with surges in Bellshill, Cambuslang, East Kilbride and Hamilton.

The region’s health board has warned said it “must act now to stop further spread” of the virus urgin people to keep their distance ahead of the warm weather forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend.

NHS Lanarkshire said the quickest and simplest way to keep each other safe from Covid-19 was to take a test twice a week and staying physically apart from others.

Dr Jackie Hyland, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in health protection, said: “I would strongly encourage people to do a Covid test twice per week. The more the virus spreads undetected, the greater chance new variants can take hold. By having a regular test, and taking up the vaccine offer, we keep infections down in Lanarkshire.”

On Wednesday, NHS Lanarkshire reported 68 new cases of coronavirus, the third highest across Scotland’s health boards.

Dundee’s positive case rate for the seven days to May 24 is 62.3 per 100,000. Dr Emma Fletcher, NHS Tayside director of Public Health said: “We know the new variant that is currently circulating in Dundee is more infectious so please take advantage of the testing facilities and help keep everyone safe.”

“I would strongly encourage everyone to get tested even if you do not have any symptoms.

“Not everyone who has the virus will have symptoms, so people could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Around one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms but could potentially be passing the virus on to loved ones, friends and the wider community.”

Mobile testing vans will visit Menzieshill Community Centre on Mondays, Dundee International Sports Centre (DISC) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, Douglas Sport Centre on Thursdays and East Whale Lane Car Park in the city centre on Saturdays until June 14 when the situation will be reviewed.

An announcement from the First Minister on restrictions levels and areas of concerns across the country is expected this afternoon.

Dr Hyland said: “We can now do more as the restrictions ease but we need to do this safely.

“In some areas infections are spreading and we can stop the spread if people keep their distance and pick up kits for regular home testing.

“The good news is that these tests are available to everyone and they can be ordered online or by phone. Many of us did more online shopping during lockdown, so it’s great that anyone can simply order a testing kit online and get it delivered straight to their door.

“If you have had the vaccine or a negative test result, it is still important to remember the basics – keep your distance, wear a face covering and clean your hands. If you are planning to meet others, please meet outside whenever possible.”

Testing kits can be ordered online here or by calling 119 for home delivery, or testing sites are available throughout Lanarkshire. The sites are listed on the NHS Lanarkshire website.