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.
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The purpose of this technical note is to inform Members of plans for a walk through COVID-19 local testing site (LTS).
Members will be aware that the strategy to minimise the impact of COVID-19 and supress transmission includes both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing in communities. It is recognised that the easier it is for people to access testing, the more likely it is that they will present for a test either due to symptoms or to ensure that they are not asymptomatic.
The Council, in conjunction with colleagues in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, has been operating an asymptomatic testing centre at Auchinairn Early Years and Community Centre for a number of weeks. Officers are developing further proposals in relation to asymptomatic testing to extend coverage and a separate Technical Note will be issued once these plans are further developed.
There is a need for locally available symptomatic testing within East Dunbartonshire. At present, this is provided by Scottish Government, in consultation with Public Health and local authorities. Officers have been in discussions with Scottish Government with a view to the establishment of 2 walk through LTS in East Dunbartonshire.
The LTS model currently being deployed is based on the siting of a mobile unit centrally within communities. The location is important so that it is as accessible as possible and that it can be reached by car, walking or cycle in order to avoid the use of public transport by someone with COVID-19 symptoms. These sites are operated by health professionals, are for appointments only and tests can be booked online.
The car park at Milngavie Station has been identified as a suitable and an LTS will be installed on 12th and 13th May. The nature of the installation is such that the car park will be closed to vehicles for those two days in order that all of the associated plant can be safely installed. Thereafter the southern (larger) portion of the car park will reopen to the public as normal. For the duration of the installation, the bus stop within the car park will also be relocated.
Following set up, the LTS will open to the public on 14th May. The LTS will operate 7 days a week and appointments will be available between 8am and 8pm. Appointments must be booked in advance via nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.
Officers had hoped to issue details of the LTS sooner, however only just received confirmation of the opening and comms from Scottish Government earlier today. The need for earlier confirmation will be fed back.
The siting of the LTS in Milngavie is an important aspect of protecting East Dunbartonshire communities from transmission and will help to supress transmission going forward. It will also complement the parallel work which is developing wider proposals for asymptomatic testing to be rolled out across the area.
Discussions remain ongoing with Scottish Government with a view to identifying a suitable site for a second LTS in the Kirkintilloch area. Details will be issued to Members once a site is agreed.
