Ambulance service mobile testing units pass two million Covid tests mark
Over the past month the units have carried out about 15,000 tests a day.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mobile testing units run by the Scottish Ambulance Service have now carried out more than two million coronavirus tests around the country.
The units, which were officially handed over to the ambulance service by the army on August 31 2020, can be dispatched quickly across Scotland so people in urban, rural and remote areas have easy access to a test.
Over the last month the mobile testing units (MTUs) have been delivering about 15,000 tests a day as the country deals with the challenges of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) passed the one million mark on September 1 last year and has since carried out another million PCR tests in just over four months, passing the two million milestone on Tuesday.
Our Covid-19 Mobile Testing units continue to play a crucial role in bringing testing capacity to communities who need it most
John Alexander, general manager for the MTUs, said: “Our dedicated MTU staff have been working tirelessly across Scotland to deliver tests, particularly over the last month as the programme has been ramped up to combat the Omicron virus.
“All of our MTU staff have done a fantastic job in providing tests to the people of Scotland over the past year and I’m extremely proud they’ve delivered two million tests since August 2020.
“We reached the one million mark on September 1 2021, one year and one day from the date of the MTUs going live, so to carry out another million tests in just over four months is a considerable achievement, and it’s testament to their dedication and hard work.”
There are now 39 Scottish Ambulance Service MTU teams across the country.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf praised their work.
He said: “Our Covid-19 Mobile Testing units continue to play a crucial role in bringing testing capacity to communities who need it most.
“And reaching two million tests is incredible work. This is a reflection of the hard work, dedication and professionalism of Scottish Ambulance Service staff who are doing a challenging job in difficult circumstances.
“Through the work they are doing they are helping to identify and isolate cases and breaking chains of transmission.
“My thanks goes to every member of SAS staff for all that they are doing to care and support people across Scotland – and for working throughout the festive break to ensure that testing continued.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.