New sites for rapid Coronavirus testing are up-and-running for people without symptoms in Moray

Testing 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.

Moray residents who don’t have any of the three Covid symptoms – a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell – are encouraged to get tested.

There’s no need to book, turn up this week (w/c 10 May) to the following locations on the dates and times listed:

• 30/32 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1BU. 9.30am - 4pm, Monday to Friday

• Station car park, Pitgaveny Street, Lossiemouth, IV31 6NR (drive-in testing site) 9.45 - 11.45am, Monday and Wednesday

• Lhanbryde Community Centre car park, Robertson Road, Lhanbryde, IV30 8QQ (drive-in testing site) 1.45 - 3.45pm, Monday and Wednesday

• Cluny Square car park, Cluny Square, Buckie, AB56 1AH (drive-in testing site) 9.45 - 11.45am, Tuesday and Thursday

• Regent Square Car Park, Regent Square, Keith, AB55 5DX (drive-in testing site) 1.45 - 3.45pm, Tuesday and Thursday

• Leys Road Car Park, Leys Road, Forres, IV36 1DS (drive-in testing site) 9.45 - 11.45am, Friday

• Alice Littler Park Car Park, Broomfield Square, Aberlour, AB38 9QP (drive-in testing site) 1.45 – 3.45pm, Friday

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices, which give results in around 45 minutes. Any positive cases will then be confirmed by PCR test.

Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test will be asked to self-isolate immediately. Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including food packages and financial support.

Moray Council’s Environmental Health and Trading Standards Manager, Karen Sievewright, said: “Almost 1 in 3 people with Coronavirus don’t have symptoms but are still infectious and able to pass the virus on to loved ones, friends and the wider community.

“By getting tested at a community testing site, you can find out if you are positive and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus by self-isolating.

“Not only are we helping to protect our family, friends and community, if we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and continue to follow the other national measures that are in place, we are that one step closer to getting back to doing the things we are unable to do just now.”

Norma Matheson, Moray Council’s Benefits Manager, said: “We know that self-isolating can be really difficult for some people - physically and mentally but, more often than not, financially.

“We understand that being asked to self-isolate at short notice can present you with a lot of problems. Not everyone may be lucky enough to have family, friends or good neighbours nearby who can help with things like getting groceries or picking up prescriptions. The Grampian Coronavirus Assistance Hub can give you details of help available locally with things like shopping, collecting prescriptions etc. You can call them on 0808 196 3384.

“Some people are only a week’s wages away from financial difficulty and can’t afford not to work.  

"We don’t want these things to be a barrier to people getting tested. We are here to help support you if you need to self-isolate.”