A WALK-THROUGH coronavirus testing centre has opened in the Borders.

The Galashiels site, based at Langlee Community Centre on Marigold Drive, can handle at least 300 tests per day, according to the Scottish Government.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can book a test through nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

The Scottish minister for public health, sport and wellbeing, Mairi Gougeon, said: “Containing and suppressing this virus relies on testing being accessible to everyone.

“The walk-through testing centre in Galashiels is the 24th site across Scotland and will further increase our testing capacity ahead of potential spikes as we move through winter.

“Centres like this can be operational in a matter of days, and we are working at pace with NHS National Services Scotland and local authorities to roll out more across the country so that more people have access to local testing.

“We will continue to adapt our testing strategy in line with the different stages of the pandemic. 

“However, testing is only one effective intervention that we are using to manage the virus and it remains vital that people continue to follow physical distancing advice and practise good hand and cough hygiene not just for their own safety but in order to protect others.”

Scotland’s walk-through sites, part of the UK Government’s testing programme, exist alongside regional test centres, mobile testing units and home test kit provision.

The Scottish Government is responsible for the location of test sites in Scotland.

The Scottish Government says people should book a test if they have any of the following symptoms:

  • High temperature or fever
  • New continuous cough
  • Loss of sense of smell or taste (or a change in smell/taste)