FIFE’S second Community Testing site for people without COVID-19 symptoms is set to open in Kirkcaldy on Monday (22/02).

Based at the town’s Glebe Centre, the site will provide testing for members of the public who have no symptoms associated with COVID-19 but who could be infectious and spreading the virus to others unknowingly. The centre will also provide confidential support to assist anyone who tests positive and needs to self-isolate, with access to different financial support alongside practical measures, such as food packages.

The new Kirkcaldy site follows the opening of the Community Testing site in Cowdenbeath earlier this month.

Josie Murray, NHS Fife Consultant in Public Health and Health Protection Clinical Lead, said: “Along with vaccination, testing is a really important part of the overall work that’s being undertaken to tackle COVID-19.

“We all know we should get tested if we have symptoms, and it might seem odd to go for a test when you are feeling fine.

“However, we know that as many as 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms but are still infectious and able to pass the virus on to loved ones, friends and the wider community, including the most vulnerable.

“By getting tested at the Glebe Centre, you can find out if you are positive even when you don’t have symptoms and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others by self-isolating.

“If we can find and isolate more positive cases, that will help us in reducing the spread of COVID-19 to others, and help us to protect our family, friends and the wider community.

“The testing site for those who do have COVID-19 symptoms, which has recently opened at the Overton Community Centre in Kirkcaldy, will continue to run alongside this wider Community Testing.”

The Glebe Centre will initially open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 11am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday. These times may change according to demand.

Testing at the Glebe Centre site is available to anyone without COVID symptoms who lives in the Kirkcaldy area and members of the public will be able to access testing on a drop-in basis without the need for an appointment.