Community testing sites provide testing for members of the public who have no symptoms associated with COVID-19 but who could be infectious and spreading the virus to others unknowingly. The centres also provide confidential support to assist anyone who tests positive and needs to self-isolate, with access to different financial support alongside practical measures, such as food packages.
The Savoy Centre is the fourth pop up community testing site to open in Fife – other sites are currently open at the Maxwell Centre, Cowdenbeath, and the Glebe Centre and Chapel Neighbourhood Centre in Kirkcaldy.
All centres are open for a limited time.
Following the latest review of public health data, the Maxwell Centre site will remain open to the public until Sunday, 14th March, before closing.
Future locations for community testing in Fife are currently being reviewed based on testing need.
The centre location is determined by the latest data we have, with a number of factors influencing decisions such as a higher than expected number of cases, low testing uptake in the area, and communities which may be more vulnerable. As we know that 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 don’t have symptoms, anyone can be infectious and unknowingly passing it to others. By getting a test at one of these centres you can find out if you are positive even when you don’t have symptoms and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus. The more people we can isolate, the better chance of reducing the spread.
Testing at community testing sites is available to anyone without COVID symptoms who lives locally. Members of the public will be able to access testing on a drop-in basis without the need for an appointment.
Testing is quick and easy with rapid results available. Sites are safe and secure, with strict hygiene measures in place. Staff on-site will support you throughout the testing process.
The Savoy Centre will initially open from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.
Revised opening times will also be in place for other community testing sites as follows:
- Maxwell Centre, Cowdenbeath (from Saturday, 6th March) - Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. The centre’s last day of opening will be Sunday, 14th March
- Glebe Centre, Kirkcaldy (from Saturday, 6th March) – Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
- Chapel Neighbourhood Centre, Kirkcaldy (from Saturday, 6th March) – Monday to Friday 12pm to 7pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Nigel Kerr, Fife Council Head of Protective Services, said: “This kind of mass community testing provides invaluable information to the NHS and the Scottish Government and can help them when they are making decisions on lockdown restrictions.
Anyone who tests positive will be asked to self-isolate and confidential support will be available from staff on site who can help you access services such as essential shopping support or financial support.
Members of the public should take their mobile phone to the centre if they have one so that they can receive results. Alternative arrangements will be made for those who do not have a phone.
People should only attend community testing sites if they do not have any Covid-19 symptoms.
Do not attend if you:
- have COVID-19 symptoms
- are currently self-isolating because you have been identified as a close contact
- have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days
Community testing sites will be open on a time-limited basis. There will be flexibility as to how long sites remain open based on the latest data and testing uptake.
Further information and updates on the Fife community testing programme is available at www.nhsfife.org/communitytesting
