Two areas in Glasgow have been chosen for mass community COVID-19 testing. The aim is to halt the spread of the disease by members of the community who would otherwise be unaware of their infectious state.
Resembling a move recently seen in Liverpool, thousands of residents in Dalmarnock and Pollokshields West will be asked to take part.
Liverpool gained some success from the initiative, as it enabled the city to move from tier three (prior the national lockdown) to tier two.
The metropolitan area in Liverpool will move into tier two from Wednesday, December 2.
People in Dalmarnock and Pollokshields West will be offered community testing from Monday, November 30 to Wednesday, December 9.
Households in the areas will be notified by letter, confirmed Glasgow Times.
During the 10-day window, the testing centres will be able to test almost 20,000 people.
One testing centre is in the Emirates Arena Car Park for Dalmarnock, and the other is opposite the Tramway Theatre in Albert Drive for Pollokshields West.
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The NHS confirmed the three main symptoms of the disease to be aware of; these are:
- A new, continuous cough
- A high temperature
- A loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
How do I know if I’m asymptomatic?
In England, asymptomatic people aren’t able to take a test as they show no symptoms of the disease.
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed: “People who do not have symptoms (‘asymptomatic’ people) are tested for the virus only in specific circumstances.”
“Testing asymptomatic people is not currently seen as an effective way to screen the general population outside of outbreaks,” it continued.
Thus, if you’re not in an area where asymptomatic testing is routinely carried out, you simply won’t know.
However, people can still do their best to avoid transmission of the virus once England leaves national lockdown.
This involves following the guidance put forward depending on which tier you’re in.
Tier three
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed tier three is the area of “highest restrictions”.
Akin to national lockdown, no one must meet socially indoors with those they don’t live with.
Bars, restaurants, shisha venues, and cafes are only permitted to continue sales by takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
Tier two
Hospitality venues are open, but you must not socialise indoors with those you don’t live with.
Tier one
You’re allowed to socialise indoors with people you don’t live with, but the “rule of six” applies.
For more information on the rules on each tiers, please click here.