The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government and NHS Forth Valley, aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.
Residents who don’t have any of the three COVID-19 symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.
No need to book
There is no need to book and testing is available at Cowie Community Centre on the following dates:
- Thursday 25th - Saturday 27th March: 12pm-6pm.
- Sunday 28th March: 9am-12pm.
Test results will be available in around 45 minutes and, anyone with a positive test, will be asked to undertake a confirmatory PCR test.
Reduce the spread in communities
Stirling Council Chief Executive Carol Beattie said: “These tests are completely voluntary and are there for anyone who may want one. We are hoping that Cowie residents will recognise the benefits of getting involved in local testing efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus in their communities.
“Many people who have Covid-19 don't have any of the usual symptoms or indeed any symptoms at all but are potentially passing the virus on to loved ones, friends and others in the community.
“By getting tested you can find out if you are positive, and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others, by self-isolating.”
Many people don't experience symptoms
Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “We are still seeing around 30 – 40 new cases of coronavirus cases in Forth Valley and we know that many people with Covid-19 don’t experience any of the common symptoms.
"This new testing facility will make it easier and quicker for people 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 of Covid-19 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 Cowie testing centre as this is only for people who do not have any symptoms.”
Targeted testing to isolate more cases
Scottish Government Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “Targeted testing in this way will help us find and isolate more cases, by targeting resources with communities where there is high prevalence, helping us to identify more cases of the virus and giving us all a better chance of stopping it from spreading.
“Testing is only one layer of protection against this virus – all others, including vaccination and the FACTS guidance work to greatest effect when they work together, so it is essential people continue to follow the restrictions currently in place to suppress COVID to the lowest possible level in Scotland.”
This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.
More Information
Answers to FAQs on asymptomatic testing.
Further information on Covid-19 is available on the NHS Inform website.