Coronavirus testing is being carried out at “drive through” facilities at hospitals in Scotland as efforts to control the virus are stepped up.
Raigmore Hospital in Inverness is among the sites where large tents have been installed so members of the public can quickly check if they have been infected.
NHS Lothian is also introducing the temporary test centres, but NHS Grampian confirmed it currently had no plans to do so.
Developed in recent weeks in Korea, the tents enable drivers to go through the entire testing process within a few minutes, without leaving their cars.
There are different models being used across the health boards to support patient testing and ‘drive through’ testing is one of the models we are progressing.”
A spokesman for NHS Highland said: “As per the guidance from the Scottish Government for testing people with possible COVID-19, there are different models being used across the health boards to support patient testing and ‘drive through’ testing is one of the models we are progressing.
“NHS Highland has installed a ‘drive through’ testing facility at Raigmore Hospital where patients with mild symptoms can drive themselves to a contained area of the hospital for testing.
“If patients are unable to use the ‘drive through’ facility they will be tested at another designated testing facility at Raigmore Hospital.”
NHS Tayside and other boards are running community testing, which allows people to be tested in their own home where appropriate.
This involves staff from public health teams attending people’s homes in protective suits to provide testing, and offer advice to anyone displaying symptoms.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Catherine Calderwood said: “Our priority is to ensure testing facilities are available across Scotland, so we have asked health boards to explore options for people in their area depending on their needs.
“Methods of testing will be different depending on factors like population and geography.”
The amazing doctors in Deagu here in South Korea sent us this. A picture of their new drive- thru coronavirus test facility. Such a clever idea and so quickly set up. #CoronavirusOutbreak (h/t @wj_bae ) pic.twitter.com/07F83jkLK0
— Laura Bicker (@BBCLBicker) February 26, 2020
Once again proving among the world's most innovative nations, South Korea has created a drive-thru coronavirus clinic.. pic.twitter.com/7eUQYKbWW5
— Sam Kim (@samkimasia) February 26, 2020
A helpline has been set up for people who do not have symptoms but are looking for general information: 0800 028 2816.
Those who think they may have the virus or have recently travelled to an affected area are encouraged to contact their GP or call NHS 24 on 111.
Inverness MP Drew Hendry MP said: “I would urge people to follow the current advice being given by NHS Scotland to reduce the risk of infection and transmission, all of which are general good practice in maintaining personal hygiene.
“It is important not to panic, but rather to take the precautionary steps set out by health professionals, and if you are concerned then contact your GP or call NHS 24 on 111.”
Testing arrangements
NHS Ayrshire & Arran: Contained testing at a healthcare facility.
NHS Grampian: Contained testing at a healthcare facility and plans to expand into community testing.
NHS Orkney: Contained testing at a healthcare facility on-site and community testing in place.
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: Contained testing at a healthcare facility on-site and community testing in place.
NHS Lanarkshire: Community testing team in place.
NHS Tayside: Contained testing at a healthcare facility and plans to expand into community testing.
NHS Fife: Community testing team in place.
NHS Forth Valley: Contained testing at a healthcare facility and plans to expand into community testing.
NHS Highland: Drive-through testing at a healthcare facility with plans to expand into community testing.
NHS Shetland: Contained testing at a healthcare facility.
NHS Western Isles: Community testing team in place.
NHS Dumfries & Galloway: Contained testing at a healthcare facility on-site and community testing in place.