Covid-19: Two new cases of Indian variant confirmed in Kirkcaldy

Two further cases of an Indian variant of coronavirus have been confirmed in Kirkcaldy.

It takes the total number of cases being linked to a cluster in the town to eight.

Health officials are now issuing a further plea for locals to get tested for the virus, particularly those in the Valley, Templehall, Bennochy, Smeaton and Hayfield areas of the town.

Testing facilities are now available at:

• YMCA car park, Hendry Crescent - open Monday to Sunday (10am to 4pm).
• Victoria Road car park - open Monday to Sunday (10am to 4pm).
• Glebe Park Neighbourhood Centre - open Monday to Friday (9am to 4pm), and Saturday and Sunday (10am to 4pm).

All three sites cater for people with and without symptoms and operate on a drop-in basis with no appointment necessary.

People with and without symptoms can also continue to be tested at Overton Road in Kirkcaldy between 8am and 8pm. Appointments for that site need to be booked in advance HERE.

More than 500 people have presented for testing at the sites in Kirkcaldy over the course of the last week.

Dr Lorna Watson, consultant in public health medicine, said: "While we have seen reduced levels of Covid-19 in Fife of late, the cases of the B.1.617.2 variant gives cause concern.

"The B.1.617.2 variant is known to be more transmissible than the previously circulating strains, and could even prove to be significantly more transmissible.

"It is crucial, therefore, that people in the area remain vigilant and stick with the public health measures in place, particularly around gathering indoors, given the recent easing of restrictions.

"The best means of helping us to reduce spread is by getting tested and we are asking people in the Kirkcaldy area, and particular those living in the Valley, Templehall, Bennochy, Smeaton and Hayfield areas of the town, to visit one of the many community testing clinics nearby.

"These sites are available to all, whether you have symptoms or not. They are free of charge, you don’t need an appointment and we can even provide you with a range of support should you need it.

"As many as a third of people who catch COVID-19 do not display any symptoms at all, and it is only by identifying those carrying the virus that we can prevent it from spreading further."