FIRE stations in four Borders towns are set to offer coronavirus tests to people without any symptoms this week.

NHS Borders has announced that testing will be available at the stations in Hawick, Jedburgh, Kelso and Eyemouth, with other towns to follow in the coming weeks.

According to the health board, all of the sites will offer tests from 10.30am to 3pm.

Dr Tim Patterson, director of public health at NHS Borders, said: “Almost a third of cases of COVID-19 occur in people who do not have symptoms of the virus.

READ MORE: Assault: Man charged after 'altercation' leads to 'serious' injury in Borders

“The Community Testing Programme helps identify these ‘silent cases’, which would otherwise go unnoticed, and break chains of transmission by providing quick and easy testing for members of the public without symptoms.

“Anyone in the Borders can be tested at one of the local Community Testing sites, which will be rolled out to other towns across the Borders in the coming weeks.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who still needs to attend their place of work (because their job does not enable them to work from home) or regularly comes into contact with other people.

“For example those who are working in essential retail and factories or people who need to provide help to vulnerable family members.”

The facility at Hawick opened today (March 15) and will run until Thursday (March 18), with the new Jedburgh testing centre opening on Wednesday (March 17) and running until Friday (March 19), according to NHS Borders.

READ MORE: Galashiels woman to open new venture on Bank Street for families with young kids

Meanwhile, testing at the Kelso site will commence on Friday and run until Sunday (March 21).

Eyemouth’s centre will open between Saturday (March 20) and Monday (March 22), the health board says.

The community testing sites are only for people without symptoms of the virus.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should book a test the normal way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Stephen Gourlay, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s local senior officer for East Lothian, Midlothian and Scottish Borders, said: "I am delighted to be working with our partners in the Scottish Borders and this approach will support communities by helping to identify more cases of the virus with a view to suppressing it even further.

READ MORE: Borders hospital told to improve by inspectors who noted concerns during visit

“People booking a test through NHS Borders will be able to visit one of our fire stations participating in the first phase of the initiative where they will be provided with directions on how to safely complete a test.

“Twelve of our sites will become available over the coming weeks as part of a planned rolling programme across the Scottish Borders.”

People attending the centres will be tested using lateral flow devices, according to NHS Borders.

A spokesperson for the health board added: “The daily locations of community testing sites will vary so please check the timetable on the NHS Borders website and book your test up to 24 hours in advance of attending a testing site.”