UK Government funding Coronavirus testing in Scotland
There are now five drive through testing facilities, funded by the UK Government, operating in Scotland.
These testing sites form part of the UK-wide national testing strategy which includes:
• Drive through testing facilities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness with the Perth site currently piloting.
• The UK Government has funded these testing centres throughout Scotland to ensure testing capacity across the UK is maximised. As public health is devolved in Scotland it is the responsibility of the Scottish Government to define key workers and their eligibility for testing. Key workers can now also book their own test via the UK Government’s online portal.
• The military are also providing the Scottish Government with 13 pop up mobile testing sites across Scotland.
• The UK Government is funding a new ‘megalab’ in Glasgow, operated by Glasgow University, which is now mass processing COVID tests for key workers. This is one of three Lighthouse Labs in the UK.
• Full details of how the UK Government is scaling up its coronavirus testing is here.
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:
“The UK Government is delivering on its promise to ramp up testing capacity right across the UK. Here in Scotland we are providing a network of drive through testing sites and military-run mobile testing units, as well as the mega-lab that opened last week in Glasgow.
“By getting Scottish key workers tested we can ensure they can continue in their jobs to help those that need it the most.
“The UK Government is continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government, the UK armed forces, our world class scientists and private companies in the fight against coronavirus. By taking this UK-wide approach, we are doing everything we can to save lives.”