New coronavirus asymptomatic community testing programme to be launched in Fife

A phased roll out of a new coronavirus asymptomatic community testing programme will be started by NHS Fife and Fife Council.

It aims to identify positive Covid-19 cases and break chains of transmission.

Anyone with no symptoms of the virus, but who might be infectious, will be offered testing.

There will be a focus on communities where there is sustained transmission or a need for testing.

Pop-up testing sites will start to be rolled out in early February, with additional mobile testing also undertaken to respond to outbreaks.

Chief Executive of NHS Fife Carol Potter said: "This is an important expansion of testing which aims to help reduce Covid-19 rates in Fife, by identifying those who are positive cases but show no symptoms.

"Through early detection, we can reduce transmission within local areas, helping to protect our families, friends and our communities, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

"By engaging closely with our communities, we can also provide the support that individuals and families may need following testing."

Fife Council Chief Executive Steve Grimmond said: "I'm really pleased Fife has been chosen as one of the first areas in Scotland to carry out asymptomatic community testing.

"Working in partnership with NHS Fife and with Scottish Government funding we have set out an ambitious plan that we’ll be rolling out in phases over the coming weeks and months.

"The programme will focus on local need and supporting local communities through difficult peaks in infection.

"We’ll continue to work together, along with Fife Voluntary Action and other community partners, to make sure that households get the all the practical help and advice they need to isolate safely, if they’re required to do so."

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