DELL Farquharson House (Leisure Centre) in Dunfermline has opened today (Thursday) as a coronavirus testing centre.

It is one of 28 walk-through facilities opened by the UK Government across Scotland.

People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste) or have been told to seek a test by a clinician or an NHS tracer.

Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Tests in this centre are self-administered and this involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat.

The process is reportedly simple, only takes a few minutes, and full instructions are provided. Staff are on hand to provide additional support for vulnerable people and those with disabilities.

The centre will operate seven days a week, with appointments available from 8am to 8pm.

Anyone testing positive will be contacted by NHS Scotland tracers.

They will help them identify those they have been in contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book at test if they develop symptoms.

A further walk-through testing centre has also been established in Glenrothes.

Dona Milne, NHS Fife Director of Public Health, said: "NHS Fife Public Health welcomes the introduction of two new walk-through coronavirus testing centres in Fife. The centres are run independently from NHS Fife, by the UK Government.

"The two new centres will be located at the Glenrothes Miners Charitable Society in Glenrothes and the Dell Farquharson House in Dunfermline and will help to support local access and capacity for Covid-19 testing.

"If you have any of Covid-19 symptoms you must book at teat. Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.”

Iain Stewart, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: “The UK Government is doing everything it can to support people in all parts of the UK through the pandemic.

“Testing continues to play an important role how we manage the virus alongside the roll out of vaccines, helping to identify local outbreaks, slow down the rate of transmission and protect communities. I would like to thank the public for continuing to do the right thing and come forward to be tested when they display symptoms.

“The UK Government continues to provide the bulk of testing in Scotland, with these two new centres in Fife just the latest in our extensive network. We have also secured and paid for millions of doses of the Pfizer and Oxford vaccines for all parts of the UK.

“Hope is on the horizon, but we can’t let up on our efforts to contain the virus.”