Thousands in Johnstone join battle to defeat coronavirus

Thousands of people of all ages have been flocking to the Covid-19 testing hub that has been operating at Johnstone Town Hall since last Wednesday.

The town was chosen as the location for the first fixed site in Scotland’s current mass testing pilot project because it has been a coronavirus hotspot in recent weeks.

Johnstone recorded a rate of 214 cases per 100,000 residents in the seven days to November 26.

It is hoped the widespread testing will interrupt the transmission of the virus and lower the number of cases in the area.

Among those who have visited the town hall to be tested are Johnstone councillors from across the political parties.

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, who is also chair of the Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Integration Joint Board, told The Gazette: “It’s fantastic to have the support of my fellow local councillors for this testing pilot and also from local people, who have turned out in great numbers.

“It’s clear to see that people want do their bit for their community and keep their loved ones safe, as you may unknowingly be carrying the virus and could pass it on to a friend, family member or another member of the community.

“By taking a lateral flow test you can help keep yourself and others safe and you will also help us better understand the virus and interrupt its transmission.”

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron has praised residents for their response to mass testing

Asymptomatic testing began at the town hall at 8am last Wednesday and has seen a steady stream of volunteers since then.

Stacey Thomson, owner of The Pet Shop in Johnstone, said: “The impact of the pandemic has been quite dramatic and businesses have suffered tremendously.

“I’m one of the fortunate ones who is allowed to stay open because we sell pet food, but many of my friends’ businesses have been closed for weeks and months at a time.

“This is a big worry, so this testing is a great thing because you can come down and you’ll know the results within 30 minutes. Let’s continue to shop local and get tested so we can leave Tier Four.”

Iain McMillan, secretary of Johnstone Community Council, said: “This is an opportunity for the people of Johnstone to take part in this pilot.

“We do know that there are high instances of Covid-19 within our town and I’m afraid to say there are a lot of people going about their daily business who are asymptomatic.

“Unfortunately that means they could be passing it on and this could have serious consequences for the people who catch it.”

Sergeant Kevin McGee, who is based at Renfrew police station, said: “There has been an increase recently in the number of Covid calls we’ve been having to deal with along with our everyday work.

“Venues like these allow us to get on top of Covid and I’ve encouraged a number of officers to attend, who have done so.

“It’s been a difficult time, there is absolutely no denying that, but one day this will be behind us. I think we’ll be able to look back and say we did well throughout this pandemic and be proud of the community we have.”

Sergeant Kevin McGee

Kirsty Hair, facility duty manager at Renfrewshire Leisure, described the testing as “totally painless” and encouraged other Johnstone residents to get tested.

She added: “From a Renfrewshire Leisure perspective, we need to get things up and running again.

“Being able to reopen our facilities will allow people to get back into gyms and swimming pools to use for their own physical and mental health.”

Renfrewshire Council has tasked around 100 staff with operating the hub. There will be further testing taking place until 8pm tonight, with those who haven’t already made a visit being encouraged to do so.

Anyone over the age of five who lives, works or goes to school in Johnstone can visit the drop-in service and take a lateral flow test if they do not have symptoms of coronavirus. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent.

It is hoped that, by the time the service winds up tonight, as many as 12,000 Johnstone residents will have taken part.

The swab test, which gives results in around 45 minutes, helps to identify asymptomatic carriers of the virus and ensure it is not unknowingly being transmitted within the community.

Anyone who tests positive is being asked to take a follow-up PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test to confirm the result and is also given support to help them complete their period of self-isolation.

Residents have been happy to take part

No appointment is needed to visit the drop-in centre but anyone who is going along should follow guidance, including wearing a mask, physically distancing and sanitising their hands.

If possible, people should bring their smartphone with them to make it easier for staff to register them and deliver their test results.

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus should not visit the testing centre.

Instead, they should book a test through the NHS.

Those who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the past 90 days or have been asked to self-isolate are also asked not to attend.

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/get-Coronavirus-test-Johnstone.