Windygoul Primary School – Coronavirus Symptoms

New Covid-19 test centre for East Lothian residents ready to open

A new Covid-19 testing centre aimed at identifying positive cases among people showing no symptoms of the virus will open in Musselburgh on Friday, 30 April.

Almost 1 in 3 people who have Covid-19 don’t have any of the usual symptoms but can still be infectious and pass on COVID-19 to loved ones, friends and others in the community.

By getting tested – even if they feel fine – people from across East Lothian can help break chains of transmission in their local area.

The new community testing facility, funded by the Scottish Government, located at the former Stoneyhill Community Centre, opens from 12-6pm on Friday, 30 April. It will be open again from 11am-6pm on Saturday. Thereafter the opening hours will be (Tuesday-Saturday) 11am-6pm. No appointment is required.

The address is: 5 Stoneyhill Farm Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, EH21 6RN

The facility, which is open to all East Lothian residents without symptoms, is expected to stay open for several months and is complemented by the deployment of mobile test units across several local communities. Getting tested is quick and easy and staff are on hand to help those attending.

People can also order free lateral flow home test kits test themselves twice-weekly. More information is online.

Sharon Saunders, Head of Communities, East Lothian Council:

“The launch of this new facility for the people of East Lothian is another significant step in helping build on progress to suppress the spread of COVID-19 across our communities and move to an even less restrictive way of life.

“It’s great news that more and more people have been receiving vaccinations. But the reality is that the COVID-19 does still present a significant risk and, it’s possible to have and be spreading the virus without knowing it. Getting tested – even if you’ve received your vaccination – means you can find out if you are positive, and take immediate action to stop the spread of the virus to others, by self-isolating.

“Please do your bit to help to reduce transmission of the virus.

“We only want people to get tested at this facility if they have no Covid-19 symptoms. This is really important, so if you have any of the main Covid-19 symptoms – a fever (high temperature), a new, continuous cough or loss of taste and/or smell – please book a test immediately at a different location via https://www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect”

 Q&A

What happens at the test?

The facility at Stoneyhill and the mobile units are safe and secure and follow the strictest hygiene and cleaning guidelines. Staff will support and guide you throughout your visit.

When you attend a site please ensure that you are wearing a face covering and continue to follow physical distancing guidance.

The test you are taking is called a lateral flow test. You will be asked to register using your mobile phone. If you don’t have a phone, you will be assisted to register.

You will be directed to a booth where you will get instructions on how to take the test.  Staff are on hand to help. A swab is put into a tube and taken away by a member of staff to be analysed.

After you have taken the test please return to your home or car and stay there until you receive your test results. Please do not go shopping to carry out any other activities until you receive your test results.

You will receive your results approximately 45 minutes after you take the test.

If you don’t have a mobile phone, a member of staff will ask you to wait in a designated area. Please wait here until a member of staff tells you your results.

What happens if the test results are negative?

This would mean that you are not carrying the virus at that time but please continue to follow the public FACTS public health guidance and any other relevant protection measures in place in the local area.

What happens if the test results are positive?

You need to take what is called a PCR test to confirm your positive test results. A PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detection infection. You can arrange this through the NHS Inform website:

Or alternatively by telephoning 0300 303 2713.

You will be advised to attend for a PCR test at the appropriate location for the local area (this will not be Stoneyhill, which is for asymptomatic testing only). In the meantime, you will need to self-isolate other than to attend for your PCR test.

If your PCR test is then positive, you must self-isolate for 10 days from the date you receive the result of your PCR test. NHS Test and Protect will then contact you and ask you to identify any close contacts you may have been in touch with. Everyone in your household and any other close contacts will need to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of your PCR test.

What happens if the test results are void?

You will need to take what is called a PCR test. A PCR test is considered the most accurate test for detection infection. You can arrange this through the NHS Inform website:

Or alternatively by telephoning 0300 303 2713.

You will be advised to attend for a PCR test at the appropriate location for the local area (this will not be Stoneyhill, which is for asymptomatic testing only). In the meantime, you will need to self-isolate other than to attend for your PCR test.

How can I get tested if I’m not able to visit the facility in Musselburgh?

Mobile test units are currently being deployed in local communities. You can take a rapid test at one of the mobile units. View the current schedule here.

Alternatively, you can also order free lateral flow home test kits test. More information is online.

What should I do if I do have symptoms of COVID-19?

As the Stoneyhill facility is for asymptomatic testing only, if you have symptoms of COVID make an appointment elsewhere through the NHS Inform website:

Self-help guide: Access to testing for coronavirus | NHS inform

Or telephone: 0300 303 2713

The phone line is available between 7 am and 11 pm Mon – Sunday

If you have tested positive for COVID, you must self isolate.

If you need general advice (not Health advice), advice on self-isolation support grants, assistance with food or assistance with fuel poverty either:

• Access the Council webpages:  Coronavirus/COVID-19 | East Lothian Council
• Email: publicinformation@eastlothian.gov.uk
• Phone our helpline: 01875 824300

Other helpful telephone numbers:

• East Lothian Council               01620 827827
• 24 hour emergency line          01875 612818
• Emergency Social Work          0800 731 6969

As we return to school you will understand that there are significant steps that we have taken to ensure that our return to school is as safe as possible for everyone in our Windygoul family. As such we would like to take this opportunity to outline our procedure for any children who are reported absent due to Coronavirus symptoms of ; a persistent cough, high temperature or a loss of sense of smell and/or taste.

Our office staff will ask about your child’s symptoms and direct you to the advice below if necessary. We appreciate your understanding with this as we are required to follow the procedures below as outlined by the Scottish Government advice.

If your child requires to take a Coronavirus test they must receive the negative result prior to return to school, or a period of 10 days must have passed from the onset of symptoms. We would like to thank you all for your continued support with our return to school.

Scottish Government Guidance on the Return to Schools
Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Schools
The Wellbeing of all children, young people and staff is our central focus. There are important actions that everyone can take to prevent the spread of the virus.

Everyone who: 

 Has the symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19) – a new persistent cough, fever (high temperature), or a loss of sense of smell and/or taste – should stay at home and arrange for coronavirus testing;

 Is living with someone who has coronavirus symptoms should stay at home and follow the relevant advice;

 Has returned (or come) to Scotland from a country which is not exempt from the UK quarantine rules, should stay at home following the relevant guidance.

How to Access Testing

If your child requires a Coronavirus Test then you should contact NHS24 by dialing 111. Guidance on tests for children is available on the booking system via the NHS Inform website. NHS Inform Scotland

Our local testing site is detailed above.

Home testing kits are also available and come with comprehensive instructions to guide you through administering the swab yourself. These kits are delivered and collected by Amazon and Royal Mail, and they do not have access to the results or any health data.

When to test
The test is only reliable if you have coronavirus symptoms.
You should get tested in the first 3 days of symptoms appearing, although testing is effective until day 5. You won’t normally be tested after day 5 unless it’s for a specific reason. This will be agreed on a case-by-case basis.