Public thanked for getting tested after Covid-19 cases surge in north-east

Health chiefs in the north-east have praised public efforts in coming forward for Covid-19 testing in three areas.

NHS Grampian says it has seen large rises in people getting checked for the virus in Tillydrone, Froghall and Elrick and Westhill following a surge in cases.

A total of 200 were recorded in the region yesterday - the highest since January - followed by a further 130 today, although that number is thought to be lower due to a processing issue.

In Old Aberdeen, which contains Froghall, the rate of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 is 705.1; in Tillydrone it is 350.8; in Garlogie and Elrick it is 1,987.8 and in Westhill Central it is 629.4. 

The average across Aberdeenshire is 109.9 while in Aberdeen it is 200.7. The national figure is 228.6. 

Jillian Evans, head of health intelligence at NHS Grampian, said: "We have seen large increases in the number of people coming forward for both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing – and as we have seen in Moray that is the most effective way to drive down rates and keep people safe. 

"We’ve seen close to a four-fold increase in testing in Tillydrone alone and we have just opened an asymptomatic testing site at the Tillydrone Community Campus.

"We are also seeing an increase in testing numbers in Froghall. In the Westhill area the number of people taking up testing has soared – about nine-fold versus the previous two weeks. 

"With testing what we are doing is finding people who are infected but have no symptoms – so are unknowingly spreading the virus. In doing that, getting them to isolate and tracing their close contacts we stop the spread any further. That stops the knock-on impacts of people falling seriously ill and having to self-isolate. 

"All we can say is thank you to people for working with us, doing the responsible thing and playing their part in protecting their family, friends and community. We really do appreciate it. 

"If as many people come forward as possible, especially in these areas, for asymptomatic testing, then we can stop this new wave of cases from escalating out of control. 

"From our previous work in Moray, we know it is possible to control surges without putting in place extra restrictions. In working with us, and continuing to do so, each and every member of the public plays a part in moving us forward."

The Tillydrone Community Campus is located at 52 Hayton Road. It is open for asymptomatic testing Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. People should not attend the campus if they have symptoms - and instead book a PCR test. 

Pop-up testing will be operating at Westhill Swimming Pool today (Friday June 25) until 6pm; tomorrow, 10am-3pm; Sunday, 10am-6pm and Monday 10am-3pm.

A PCR test can be booked by visiting www.nhsgrampian.org/covid-19/covid-testing/ or calling  01224 558494 - where people can also find out where to access home testing kits.

When booking a PCR test,  people should select the option stating they have been asked to do so by local public health team.