Douglas residents urged to get a test following spike in Covid-19 cases

A mobile unit has been located at the St Bride’s Centre and will be open every day from 9.30am-5.30pm.

Dr Alison Smith-Palmer, NHS Lanarkshire Consultant in Public Health, said: “As part of the routine monitoring of Covid incidence rates across Lanarkshire, we identified that the village of Douglas has had a large increase in cases over recent weeks.

“This mobile testing facility will support the rapid identification of cases and pick up those cases with mild symptoms or no symptoms to try to break these chains of transmission.

“Anyone from Douglas or the surrounding areas, such as Coalburn and Rigside, can book to get a test and we would encourage as many people as possible to do so.”

Tests must be booked in advance by visiting www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Staff will be on hand to provide advice about the test and result process.

The swab test takes less than a minute, is relatively pain-free, and you should receive your result within 24-48 hours.

If you test positive you will be contacted by NHS Scotland tracers.

They will let you know how long you and your household should self-isolate for and help you identify who you have been in contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Your close contacts will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

It is important that everyone continues to follow the national FACTS guidance:

• F – face covering

• A – avoid crowded places

• C – clean hands and surfaces regularly

• T – two metres distance from other people

• S – self-isolate and book a test if you have covid-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, fever or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste).

If you have any questions about coronavirus visit www.nhsinform.scot or call the helpline on 0800 028 2816.