TWO mobile coronavirus testing units are set to be deployed in East Lothian.

The asymptomatic testing units aim to help identify positive cases and break chains of transmission.

Members of the public who have no symptoms associated with Covid-19, but who may be infectious and spreading the disease without knowing it, will be invited to take a test.

The units have been provided by the Scottish Government and will be staffed by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

Initially, the units will be at Prestonpans Community Centre and the Loch Centre in Tranent from Monday to Wednesday next week (March 8-10), 10am-6pm.

They will then move to the Port Seton Centre and the Mercat Bar and Grill in Whitecraig from next Thursday (March 11) until next Saturday (March 13) between the same times.

After this, they will switch between the four communities every few days until March 28.

The Scottish Ambulance Service has requested that everyone who attends one of the mobile testing units makes an advance booking. This can be done online or by telephone on 0300 303 2713.

Bookings can be made from 6pm the day before at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, clicking the ‘get a free test online’ option.

When asked why you are booking a test, people are asked to select the option ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’.

When attending the sites, people are asked to wear a face covering and follow physical distancing.

People are also asked to dress appropriately for the weather, as during popular times you may have to wait to be tested.

The locations have been identified on a targeted basis in co-operation with public health colleagues, using the most up-to-date data looking at virus prevalence.

Further arrangements for asymptomatic community testing are being developed for potential rollout in the weeks ahead.

Councillor Jim Goodfellow, East Lothian Council’s cabinet spokesperson for community wellbeing, said: “While it’s great to see progress with the vaccination programme which offers a way out of this awful situation, the reality is that Covid-19 continues to present a significant risk.

“Not everyone who has the virus will be showing symptoms, which means people could be spreading it without realising.

“That’s why, by visiting a local asymptomatic testing facility, you can help your community, families and friends stay safe and slow down the spread of this devastating virus.

“Support will be available for people who test positive and need to self-isolate and I would encourage as many people as possible to participate.

“It continues to be important to continue observing FACTS – wear face coverings, avoid crowds, clean hands, observe two-metre distancing, and self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms.

“And the all-important ‘stay at home’ message is still in place, including avoiding non-essential travel.

“The combination of testing and following the really important public health guidance will help support efforts to move to a less restrictive way of life in the weeks and months ahead.”