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Covid Update

Over the last 7 days there have been 388 new positive cases in Highland (to 22 July), a decrease from last week when 477 were reported.  This means the latest rate per 100,000 has decreased from 202.3 per 100,000 last week to 164.8 per 100,000 as of 20 July.  Whilst there has been a decrease, the numbers of cases still remain high and it is important to be careful and stick to the Scottish Government guidelines.

Asymptomatic Testing

As cases rise, it is important to test yourself even if you don’t have symptoms. Taking a rapid LFD test twice a week can help stop new variants earlier, limiting the spread of the virus.

Test kits are available at pharmacies, or to order online from www.nhsinform.scot/testing, or by calling 119.

Test kits are also available at Community testing sites.  The details for where these are next week is outlined below.

Symptomatic Testing

If you do believe you have symptoms, please self-isolate and book a PCR test.

Postal PCR kits are available through NHS Inform either online here or by calling 0800 028 2816.

In addition to the local support that is available, people can get support to self isolate by calling the Council’s helpline number: 0300 303 1362.  This can include access to food and supplies to self isolate and individuals may be entitled to a £500 self isolation support grant.

Community Testing 26 July – 30 July

The community testing programme offers rapid COVID-19 tests for people without symptoms. 

Next week the mobile testing unit Testalot will be at:

Middle Street Car Park, Middle Street, Fort William PH33 6EU

Monday 26 July 12noon-4:30pm

Tuesday 27 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Wednesday 28 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Thursday 29 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Friday 30 July 9:30am-2pm

The mobile testing unit Moves Like Jagger will be available at:

Fairways Car Park, Slackbuie, Inverness IV2 6AA

Monday 26 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Tuesday 27 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Wednesday 28 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Thursday 29 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Friday 30 July 9:30am-4:30pm

Just to emphasise that there is no specific outbreak in this communities this is to support normalising testing across the area. 

No appointment is necessary, and it will be open both for asymptomatic testing and to collect LFD test kits.

Please note that these drop-in sessions for community testing are only for people without symptoms.  Anyone that becomes unwell should isolate immediately and seek a PCR test. PCR tests can be booked through NHS Inform online or by calling 0800 028 2816.