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Mobile testing unit returning to Thurso


By Alan Hendry

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Military personnel manning a mobile testing unit in another part of Scotland, providing a drive-through service for eligible people.
Military personnel manning a mobile testing unit in another part of Scotland, providing a drive-through service for eligible people.

A mobile coronavirus testing unit manned by army personnel will be back in Thurso next week.

It will be in the town on Monday and Tuesday (May 25 and 26) on an appointment-only basis. Information on who can seek an appointment, and how to apply, can be found here.

Mobile test facilities will also be available at five other towns in the NHS Highland area during the week. These are Broadford, Fort William, Ullapool, Dornoch and Kingussie.

When a mobile testing unit was last in Thurso, earlier this month, local MP Jamie Stone claimed the public had been "left in the dark". He complained that there had been no advance warning about the arrival of the unit at a site in the town's Millbank Road.

Its role is to test essential workers – other than NHS staff – and people over 65 who have Covid-19 symptoms. Health workers can be tested at Caithness General Hospital in Wick.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said later: “All those who experiencing symptoms who sign up for a test will be directed to their nearest testing unit, including the mobile units.

“We are working with local authorities and health boards to ensure that the location of these units is publicised locally where possible, and we are also now running a targeted digital advertising campaign in the areas around the mobile testing units, encouraging those with symptoms to sign up to be tested.”


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