A new mobile COVID-19 testing unit is to be deployed in Lochgelly after a sharp rise in cases in Central Fife.

The new test site in the Lochgelly Centre car park will be open from Friday 02 July 2021. The unit will operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

The deployment follows an increase in COVID-19 cases in Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath and Kelty in recent days, and people living and working in the area are being urged to take up the offer of free COVID-19 testing.

A number of positive cases in the area are linked to Shardy’s Bar in Lochgelly. Anyone who visited the bar following a funeral in the town on Thursday 24 June 2021 is being strongly urged to arrange a PCR test at a local test site as soon as possible.

People living in Central Fife are reminded to be especially vigilant of the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. These are a new, continuous cough; a fever; or a loss or change in the sense of smell or taste.

If you develop any of the symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test. To support self-isolation, a range of welfare support is available, including financial support, food and medication delivery, and help with some caring responsibilities. For more information, visit: www.fife.gov.uk/covidassistance.

Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Dr Duncan Fortescue-Webb, said:

“There has been a concerning increase in COVID-19 infections in parts of Central Fife over recent days.

“Several cases are linked to Shardys Bar in Lochgelly and we strongly urge anyone who visited the bar on the evening of Thursday 24 June 2021 to visit the new mobile testing site at the Lochgelly Centre for a PCR test, whether they have symptoms or not. Around one in three people who become infected with COVID-19 may not feel unwell, but can still spread the virus without knowing it.

“Testing and, if needed, rapid self-isolation are vital to prevent transmission of the virus, and to protect friends, loved ones and the wider community.”

Full details of current community testing sites across Fife and their opening times are available at www.nhsfife.org/communitytesting. 

Rapid LFD home testing kits for use twice-weekly can also now be collected free of charge from test sites and all Fife high street pharmacies. Alternatively, you can order these to be delivered directly to your home free-of-charge by visiting: www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests;

With restrictions having been eased across much of the country, people across Fife are being reminded to follow the FACTS public health guidance. This means wearing face coverings, avoiding crowded places, cleaning hands, remaining two metres apart, and self-isolating if needed.

Vaccination offers the best available protection against COVID-19 and its effects and NHS Fife is urging everyone to take up the offer of vaccination. A self-registration portal is now available enabling anyone aged 18 and over who has not received a first vaccination appointment to arrange one. To register, visit: https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccineregistration