CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 25th April 2020

The Scottish Government have now implemented testing for Key workers.
This includes testing for Key food workers.

The test is for key workers and household members who are symptomatic and only for current infection.
This test will not indicate if someone has had the virus and has recovered/immune. Those tests are not available yet.
Arranging a test if you are a key worker.

Eligible key workers will be notified of where to go to get their test through the booking arrangements described below.
Testing under the UK programme in Scotland is currently conducted in drive-through sites operating at:

• Glasgow Airport
• Edinburgh Airport
• Aberdeen Airport
• University of the Highlands and Islands campus in Inverness

These facilities are run by private sector organisations on behalf of the UK Government. This guidance will be updated as additional testing capacity is deployed on Scotland.

A limited number of home test kits are also available.

Employer portal

A new website has been established to improve the process of booking tests. This website is experiencing high volumes of demand and access is being carefully regulated to ensure the systems can continue to function effectively.
Eligible employers can register and refer staff for appointments or eligible key workers will be able to book a test directly for themselves or members of their household.

After they have entered their details on the portal, individuals will receive a text or email the same day inviting them to either book an appointment, or offering a home self-testing kit.

Those using self-referral can indicate their preference prior to registering details.
The target for sending results is by text within 48 hours. A call centre is available by phone, to help people with the process and deal with test result queries.
Obtain a login for the employer referral portal.

To get a login, employers of key workers should email [email protected]

You must supply two email addresses that will primarily be used to load key worker contact details.

Once employer details have been verified, two login credentials will be issued for the employer referral portal.

Employers should then login at Log in Link to make referrals.

Self-referral portal

Go to the self-referral portal at:

—link for self referal

to sign up if you are a key worker and you, or a member of your family, is symptomatic.
Any questions from employers or key workers about accessing testing, the website, or results should be made by emailing: [email protected]

Home tests

Key workers who have completed a self-referral may have the option, depending on available capacity, to book a home-test kit.
Home test kits are an option where key workers are unable to attend a drive-through centre.
The home test option is covered in the booking process.

How home testing works

After you complete a self-referral and order a home-test kit, the test would then be delivered the next day.
You will self-administer the swab, packing it up as instructed.

A Royal Mail courier will arrive the day after to collect it and take it to the lab. The aim is that results will then be received via text within 48 hours.

Reliability of home testing

Evidence suggests that those with no clinical background or training should be completely able to secure an effective sample.
International peer-reviewed evidence suggests that self-swabbing is just as effective at securing a valid sample as clinician-administered testing.
Each kit comes with comprehensive instructions to guide you through how to administer the swab yourself. Test kits come with further instructions and a short video to take you through the process step by step.
Protection of personal data

Amazon and Royal Mail are the commercial partners who are delivering home testing nationwide. They do not have access to the results or any health data.

Full details here:-

— Testing for key workers link

The Scottish Craft Butchers office in Perth is now closed following government guidelines.
We will be available to our members to answer any queries via email or by mobile phone and will be available out of office hours for any members wanting to contact us.
Our contact details are below
Gordon King: – [email protected] 07917524313
Bruce McCall: [email protected] 07834490922