Drive-through coronavirus testing site opens at Borders General Hospital

Health workers can now get tested for coronavirus at a new drive-through centre, in the Scottish Borders.

A temporary site has been set up in the main carpark of Borders General Hospital, in Melrose, as part of the Government's drive to increase testing.

The testing area will be predominately used for key workers in health and social care at this time.

NHS Borders has said "the facility is by appointment only and people should not turn up without having been invited to do so."

Figures show there have been 26 coronavirus-related deaths in the Scottish Borders since the outbreak started.

340 staff members working for NHS Borders have been tested for the virus, with 103 of these testing positive.

Example of a testing centre in Belfast. Credit: PA

  • What should I do if I have symptoms of Covid-19?

Anyone with symptoms consistent with Covid-19, however mild, should self-isolate for 7 days. The most common symptoms are:

  • New continuous cough and/or

  • Fever / high temperature (37.8C or greater)

If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days then you should phone NHS 24 on 111.

You should no longer call your GP practice regarding Coronavirus symptoms.

If the NHS 24 healthcare professional you speak to via 111 deems that you require further clinical assessment following their triage over the phone, you will be directed to the appropriate care locally.

If you need a sick note due to coronavirus, please don’t contact your GP or NHS 24. You can download a sick/isolation note directly from the NHS Inform website.

Full guidance and information is available on NHS Inform’s coronavirus page - www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know