Technical Notes, Issue 56 - Location Change for Asymptomatic Testing Site

Report by: 
Ann Davie, Depute Chief Executive – Education People & Business
TN Number: 
056-21
Subject: 
Location Change for Asymptomatic Testing Site
Responsible Officer: 
Karen M Donnelly, Chief Solicitor & Monitoring Officer, Legal & Democratic Services
Publication: 
This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.
Details: 
  1. The purpose of this technical note is to update Members regarding current arrangements for asymptomatic testing in East Dunbartonshire.
     
  2. Members will be aware from the recent Service update Technical Note that the existing Asymptomatic Testing Site (ATS) at Auchinairn Early Years & Community Centre closed this afternoon. This means that the centre will be available to the community and others for lets now that restrictions have eased.
     
  3. A new ATS has been established at the War Memorial Hall in Bishopbriggs. This new ATS will open on Monday and its hours will be 10:30 to 18:00, with the last test being at approximately 17:30.
     
  4. The new ATS will be publicised on the Council’s social media sites and via the NHS and Scottish Government websites. Additional signage will be displayed and leaflets will be distributed via businesses, GP surgeries and third sector/community groups.
     
  5. The ATS is only for those without symptoms and should not be attended by anyone who is concerned that they may have COVID-19 or has been contacted through Contact Tracing and advised to seek a test. Symptomatic testing is available at the Local Test Site (LTS) in the Milngavie Station car park.
     
  6. In addition to providing tests on site, the new ATS will also distribute home testing kits and provide advice on their use.
     
  7. Additional plans are being developed to increase testing capacity including the development of portable and mobile solutions. Further details will be available in the next week or so.
     
  8. Asymptomatic testing helps to identify those people who do not know that they have COVID-19 and who may be interacting with others (whether through work, leisure or socialising). Detection of asymptomatic cases helps break transmission in communities and so it is important for everyone to regularly test. The new ATS and future developments will increase capacity and make it easier and more convenient for those living and working in East Dunbartonshire to protect local communities and their families through regular testing.
     
Distribution List: 
All Elected Members, Corporate Management Team, Executive Officers, HSCP Management Team, Corporate Communications, Corporate Governance Manager