CORONAVIRUS mobile testing units will visit Dunbar, Tranent, North Berwick, Haddington, Prestonpans and Whitecraig over the next week.
East Lothian Council are urging residents to get tested for the virus, even if they are asymptomatic, after a number of reported cases in the area.
Community members can get tested by visiting local test sites, collecting a test kit from available pharmacies, or ordering online.
Sharon Saunders, head of communities at East Lothian Council, said: “In recent days we have continued to see new cases of Covid-19 being reported in some East Lothian communities.
"While generally hospital admissions are much lower than at the height of the pandemic, people are still being infected by this horrible virus.
“It’s important to highlight that almost one in three people with the virus don’t realise they have it and could be passing it on, especially to younger people who have not yet had the vaccine.
“Transmission remains a real risk, we are closely monitoring the situation and to stop the spread and continue working towards a less restrictive way of life, we are very keen to encourage people – even if they feel fine – to get tested regularly.
“It’s now easier than ever to do this – pop along to a pharmacy which has test kits stocked to take home, order online for delivery to your home, or visit one of several locations across our communities where you can take a test. Please do your bit.”
Tranent Loch Centre. Image: Google Maps
Almost a third of people who have Covid-19 do not show any of the usual symptoms, say health chiefs, meaning individuals may be passing the virus to loved ones and people in the community unknowingly.
By getting tested – even if someone feels fine and has been vaccinated – they can find out if they are positive, and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others, by self-isolating.
A fixed testing centre, located at the former Stoneyhill Community Centre in Musselburgh, continues to operate from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am-6pm.
Anyone with symptoms – most commonly a continuous cough, fever/high temperature, loss of or change in sense of smell/taste – is required to book a test elsewhere.
The schedule for mobile test units, which are generally open 10am-6pm unless stated otherwise, and can also be visited without an appointment by people with no symptoms, is:
Dunbar Leisure Pool. Image Google Maps
Friday, 11 June
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Loch Centre, Tranent
North Berwick Community Centre
John Muir House, Haddington
Saturday, 12 June and Sunday, 13 June
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Loch Centre, Tranent
North Berwick Community Centre, on Law Road. Image Google Maps
Monday, 14 June
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Prestonpans Community Centre
North Berwick Community Centre
John Muir House, Haddington
Tuesday, 15 June; Wednesday, 16 June; Thursday, 17 June
Dunbar Leisure Pool
North Berwick Community Centre
The Mercat Bar and Grill, Whitecraig
John Muir House, Haddington
Prestonpans Community Centre. Image: Google Maps
Friday, 18 June
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Loch Centre, Tranent
North Berwick Community Centre
John Muir House, Haddington
Saturday, 19 June; Sunday, 20 June
Dunbar Leisure Pool
Loch Centre, Tranent
Covid-19 home test kits are available at www.gov.scot.
Further information about community testing arrangements in East Lothian is available on the council’s website.
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