Edinburgh Airport COVID-19 testing centre opens to key workers

A drive-through coronavirus testing facility has opened at Edinburgh Airport as part of the UK Government’s drive to increase testing for NHS and other key workers.

The Edinburgh Airport site is operating on an appointment-only basis for NHS staff and other key workers. It is now one of three such centres in Scotland.

The Edinburgh Airport testing centre is being operated in partnership with Sodexo, with Boots medical staff administering some tests and others being self-administered. Those tested will receive their results within 48 hours.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: “We understand that the coronavirus pandemic is a national issue that requires a national response, and we realise we have a role to play by offering up space that can be utilised for crucial testing.“

Professor John Newton, National Coordinator for the UK Coronavirus Testing Strategy, said: “New testing sites such as this one are a key pillar of our 5-pillar plan to scale up testing, and are critical in supporting NHS staff who are isolating at home to return safely to work if the test is negative.

“This is a brilliant example of industries and businesses turning their resources to creating and rolling out mass testing at scale, which will help to deliver on our aim of carrying out 100,000 tests a day across the UK by the end of the month.”

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “This new service will help end the uncertainty of whether NHS and social care staff need to stay at home meaning those who test negative will be able to return to work.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack added: “The testing centre at Edinburgh Airport, which is funded by the UK Government, will help key workers continue to do their lifesaving work and look after those who need it most.”

The Government has formed a partnership with universities, research institutes and companies to begin rollout of the network of new ‘lighthouse’ labs and field testing sites across the UK, with 27 testing sites opened to date.

The network will carry out PCR (polymerase chain reaction) swab tests, which are used to identify if a person currently has the virus, for critical key workers, starting with NHS front line staff. This means those who test negative for coronavirus can return to work as soon as possible, and those who test positive are able to recover.

The Government is also working on setting up a home-testing service for critical key workers, supported by Amazon’s logistics network and other commercial partners.