Community Asymptomatic Testing Centre moves to new War Memorial Hall location, Bishopbriggs

Date: 
Monday, 14 June, 2021


Image of councillorsThe Community Asymptomatic Testing Centre in East Dunbartonshire has moved from Auchinairn to a new location at the War Memorial Hall in Bishopbriggs. The purpose of the centre is to help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19 in our communities by testing those who do not have any symptoms but who may still have the virus.

Initially targeting the Bishopbriggs area, the testing centre is now open to all those who live in, work in, visit or attend school in the wider East Dunbartonshire area.

Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson said, "Testing in the community for those who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 is really important in stopping the spread of the virus. An NHS clinical team is on hand at the War Memorial Hall to assist in taking the test properly, and anyone who tests positive through this community testing programme will be provided with information and support to help them and their families to self-isolate.”

Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody added, “It is really important to stress that the Community asymptomatic test centre is only for those who do not have symptoms. If you or a member of your household do have symptoms – a high temperature or fever, a new continuous cough or a change is sense of taste or smell – or you have been identified as a contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you must immediately self-isolate and book a PCR test through the NHS Inform website or by dialling 119.”

A series of Community Testing Centres have been established across the NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde area, initially targeting communities that show persistent higher than average rates of infection, but broadening to all communities as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted.

Dr Linda de Caestecker, public health director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), said, "We know that COVID-19 is often spread by people who don't have symptoms or they are so mild they do not recognise they have the infection.

"Asymptomatic testing enables identification of infection so that people are not spreading the infection to their families, work colleagues or the wider community as they go shopping or exercising. As we continue to look to get back to a more normal way of life, it remains important that we all work to beat the virus and regular testing is a bit part of that."

Councillor Polson added, “Community testing to identify those who may be spreading Covid but who do not have any symptoms is really important in our recovery from this pandemic. We are encouraging everyone to take advantage of this community testing facility and come for a COVID-19 test, particularly now that there is more opportunity to socialise and meet with others as the restrictions are lifted."

Full details of the testing centre and how to access support if you test positive is available in the COVID-19 section of the Council website,

The Asymptomatic Testing Centre is located in the main hall of the War Memorial Hall building on Balmuildy Road in Bishopbriggs. No appointment is necessary, the centre is open Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 6pm – and the last test is at 5.30pm as tests take 30 minutes to process.

Home Testing kits can also be collected from the War Memorial Hall, with last pick up again at 5.30pm so that the clinical team can provide support and ensure that everyone is able to take the home test correctly. Alternatively, testing kits can be ordered online for home delivery from Gov.uk order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests

Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should not attend this asymptomatic community testing centre. A different type of test, a PCR test, is carried out if you have symptoms. PCR tests must be booked in advance at NHS inform or by calling 119.