Covid in Scotland: West Linton mass testing begins as cases rise

Mass testing is being offered in a Borders village amid a rise in Covid cases in the area.

NHS Borders said it had seen an increase in numbers in and around West Linton in recent weeks.

Testing is being offered to anyone living and working in the area regardless of whether they have symptoms.

A unit will be in the village on Wednesday and Thursday and again on 2 and 3 February.

Dr Tim Patterson, director of public health, said: "We have seen an increase in the number of positive cases in West Linton and surrounding areas over the last few weeks and there is evidence of Covid-19 spreading within these local communities.

"I would therefore encourage local people to get tested even if they currently feel well, as some people can have Covid-19 without displaying any of the common symptoms."

The move follows similar measures in Hawick where testing is now available seven days a week in the Teviotdale Leisure Centre car park.

NHS Borders said appointments must be booked in advance with next day appointments available for booking from 18:00 each day.

Meanwhile, neighbouring NHS Dumfries and Galloway has praised a "very good response" to mass testing in the Langholm and Canonbie areas.

A total of 1,179 people were tested over four days between 23 and 26 January.

The health board said other people used home testing kits or were tested in Carlisle and Annan.

A "relatively small number" of 23 new cases were identified as a result in the DG13 and DG14 postcode areas.

Interim director of public health Valerie White said: "Those people and their close contacts are now being advised to self-isolate to help bring down the local spike in cases, and work is taking place to examine the data and see what lessons can be learned to inform any similar approach within Dumfries and Galloway and nationally."

The health board also apologised for problems experienced on the first day of testing which meant some people who made appointments were unable to be tested.

It said it was due to a shortage of testing kits which was rectified for the remaining three days.