New Covid-19 test site opens up in Aberdeen

A new walk-through Covid-19 testing centre has opened up in at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

The UK Government test centre is located at Car Park 4 on the Garthdee Campus. 

It's part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities which includes eight drive-through sites, 54 walk-through sites, 42 mobile units and the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab in Scotland. 

PCR tests must be booked in advance and these should only be booked if people have symptoms. 

Vicki Nairn Vice Principal of corporate operations at RGU said: “Robert Gordon University welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the local COVID-19 testing programme by offering our campus as a testing site.

“This will not only benefit the wider community in this area but our own staff and students as they look to return to campus to begin the new term in September.

“We will continue to support the UK and Scottish governments and the NHS in their wider efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

Lateral flow tests are also now available for pick up without an appointment at the majority of the sites from 3.30pm each day. Tests can also be ordered online or by phone calling 119. 

Commenting on the launch of the walk through testing site in Garthdee, Aberdeen Minister for Public Health Maree Todd said: “This walk through testing centre in Garthdee, Aberdeen is the 54th site across Scotland, providing testing options for people with and without coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms.

“As restrictions ease, testing is more important than ever to help protect people around you, and the progress we’ve made so far. Rapid lateral flow testing is already helping us to find cases that might otherwise have been missed, as around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not show symptoms.

“You should still get tested even if you have been vaccinated. While the latest evidence suggests vaccines provide a high level of protection against the effects of COVID-19, they don’t yet provide a guarantee that you can’t still get the virus or pass it on to others.

“The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring people can easily access a test no matter where they are in the country, and we will continue to work with the UK Government and local partners to improve access to testing.”

For more information and to order a test kit online visit the government's website here.