Community Testing Returns to Cowie to Help Prevent spread of Covid-19

Community testing returns to Cowie tomorrow, Thursday, 17^th June, as part of ongoing efforts to reduce the spread of Covid-19 across Stirling.

Residents across Stirling who do not currently have any symptoms of Covid-19 can voluntarily attend the Coronavirus testing unit, which will be available at Cowie Community Centre from Thursday until Sunday 20^th June.

Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing kits can also be collected to take home in a pack of seven.

There is no need to book and the unit will be available at Cowie Community Centre, Manse Park/Main St, Cowie, FK7 7BL on the following times and dates:

1. Thursday 17^th June to Saturday 19^th June 12-6pm.
2. Sunday 20^th June 9am-12pm.

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Scott Farmer, said: “As restrictions continue to ease and more of our society opens up, testing is an effective way we can suppress the virus and prevent its spread across Stirling.

“The virus has not gone away, it is still prevalent in our communities. That’s why these testing units, which are being scheduled on a rotational basis in different parts of Stirling as part of a national programme, are so important.

“The tests are available for people without Coronavirus symptoms and are completely voluntary. They are there for anyone who may want one so please, if you have the opportunity, take the time to get involved.”

All 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.

Test results will be available in around 45 minutes and can be received at home rather than having to wait at the testing facility. Anyone with a positive test will be asked to undertake a confirmatory PCR test.

The national community testing initiative is currently rotating between Stirling’s two dedicated locations of Callander and Cowie.

The initiative 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 and many may not experience any symptoms at all.

Dr Graham Foster, NHS Forth Valley’s Director of Public Health, said: “There is no room for complacency as we are still seeing new cases of coronavirus in Forth Valley every day,  especially since the emergence of the Delta variant which is much more transmissible. 

“That’s why testing is so important to help prevent people with no symptoms from spreading the virus to friends, family or colleagues without realising it.”

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.