Travellers to the Western Isles and other Scottish islanders are being urged to take two Covid tests before setting off on their journey.
Anyone testing positive should stay at home and not travel to avoid importing coronavirus onto the island.
Free rapid coronavirus kits tests will be made available next week to anyone in Scotland.
From today (Tuesday), anyone planning travel to the islands next week can order a free home test kit online.
Two lateral flow tests should be undertaken -
It is particularly important tourists and visitors ensure they use the tests to check if they have the virus highlighted the First Minister today.
If either test is positive people should get a PCR test to confirm the result.
Testing is also “sensible” for islanders returning from a mainland visit, highlighted Nicola Sturgeon.
Free home testing kits will be widened to all across Scotland from Monday.
Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are keeping island communities at the same level as the rest of the country at the moment, so that we can allow travel between island communities and the rest of Scotland.
“But we know this does create a risk for our island communities.
“Many of them currently have very, very low rates of Covid.
“And they will be welcoming visitors from parts of Scotland which I know many of them are looking forward to where Covid will still be circulating at a higher level and more widely.
“So, if you are planning to travel to an island we do encourage you to take two lateral flow tests before you depart.
“The second test should be on the day that you are planning to travel, and the first should be three days before you travel.
“That means that if you test positive, you have a chance to take a PCR test -
Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is potentially an important way in which we can minimise the risk, of bringing Covid into island communities while nevertheless allowing our island communities the benefit of opening up again to visitors.
“So if you are planning on travelling to an island over the course of next week, it is possible to get tests from today, and I would encourage you to do that.”
Lateral flow testing “will be available to anyone in Scotland” from 26 April.
A lateral flow test can be ordered online for delivery to your home – information on how to do that is on the Scottish Government’s website.
Ms Sturgeon urged everyone to take advantage of this offer but especially people travelling to the Western Isles and other Scottish islands.
Get tested if travelling to the Western Isles says Nicola Sturgeon
20 April 2021
