Plans worked up for mobile Covid testing unit

PROPOSALS have been drawn up for a mobile Covid testing unit which could be used throughout Shetland.

A meeting of Shetland’s community safety and resilience board heard on Wednesday that it would primarily be used for asymptomatic testing, but it could also be utilised by people with symptoms during any potential outbreak.

NHS Shetland’s James McConnachie said that a proposal for the unit – “basically a library van” – was sent to the Scottish Government last week.

The proposal for the mobile unit has been worked up by NHS Shetland amid national plans to fund asymptomatic testing through to 2022.

McConnachie also told the meeting that asymptomatic testing has been taking place at the Scalloway Games Hall for people working in the third sector.

This is because of the risk associated with clients.

It is coming to an end, however, after the government rolled out free test kits for all which can be delivered by post.

The health board, meanwhile, has now recruited a Test and Protect manager.

It comes as Shetland continues to have one of the highest rates of Covid vaccination in Scotland.

More than 90 per cent of adults have had a first dose, and more than half have had their second.