Drive-through COVID-19 testing facility to open at Prestwick Airport

As part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to increase testing to determine whether those with COVID-19 symptoms have the virus Car Park 4 will be used for those suspected of having the virus.

North Ayrshire Council revealed the plans which state the facility sits alongside the existing regional centres in Scotland – Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen Airports, Perth College and the University of the Highlands and Islands – and will be piloted for its first few days of operation.

It is operated in partnership with Sodexo and will offer assisted and self-administered tests. Those tested will receive their results within a few days.

Directions to the facility are available on this map:

Testing is part of the Test and Protect approach to containing the virus. Anyone aged 5 or over experiencing a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, or a loss of or change in their normal sense of smell or taste, can book an appointment online by visiting NHS Inform at this link or by calling 0800 028 2816 to be tested for whether they currently have coronavirus.

This is separate to the existing health and social care key worker testing programme. Key workers, and anyone in their household with symptoms, can access testing through their employer in the first instance and will be given priority.

The Scottish Government has published guidance on coronavirus testing in Scotland, including who can be tested and how to book a test online.

In addition to the regional test sites, 13 mobile testing units operated by HM Forces travel around Scotland to further increase access to coronavirus testing. They respond to need, travelling to test at sites including care homes and other community locations.  

The UK Government is leading on a home-testing service, supported by Amazon's logistics network and other commercial partners. Home test kits can be delivered to someone’s door so they can test themselves and their family without leaving the house.