GALASHIELS will be offering tests later this week to people without coronavirus symptoms – giving locals a third opportunity.

Testing was previously carried out in the town in late March and mid April at the volunteer hall.

NHS Borders has now confirmed that coronavirus tests will be offered between April 24-26 – but will take place in Queens Leisure Centre on Melrose Road.

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NHS Borders’ director of public health, Dr Tim Patterson, said: “We would like to thank the people of the Borders for good levels of engagement with our community testing programme as well as their input through exit surveys at testing facilities.

“Insights into why and when people come to be tested, amongst other helpful information, have led us to trial a new schedule which will provide more regular testing across the Borders.

“Regular COVID-19 testing is important especially as lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease and we will inevitably start mixing with other people more.

“Not everyone who has COVID-19 will have symptoms, so people could be spreading the disease without knowing it. We can only find these cases through testing and therefore stop the spread within our communities.”

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Also among the places offering testing this month are Kelso (April 27 and 28) and Jedburgh (29 and 30), with Selkirk carrying out tests on May 1 and 2.

Tests will be available between 10.30am and 3pm at each location’s fire station.

“We would encourage everyone who does not already receive regular testing through another route, such as their workplace or school, to consider getting a rapid COVID-19 test through our community testing programme,” added Dr Patterson.

“It takes about five minutes to get tested using a lateral flow device (LFD) and your results will be sent to you by text message.”