South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has renewed his calls for the Scottish Government to help the NHS roll out asymptomatic mass testing across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway.

On Tuesday, the NHS announced that due to the notable rate of virus cases in the Annan and Dumfries areas, increased testing is to be made available in those areas. But only for those with Covid symptoms.

Colin Smyth said: “I am calling on the Scottish Government to step up to the mark and support our NHS to roll out asymptomatic mass Covid testing across the region.

“We’ve heard this week that Covid cases in Annan and Dumfries are not falling as quickly as in other areas and increased testing for those with symptoms is being made available.

“I welcome any increase in testing but if we want to stamp out this terrible virus, we really need to introduce mass testing of those who don’t have symptoms in every part of the region.

“The fact that the Scottish Government is still talking about asymptomatic testing as being in the ‘pilot’ phase is shocking, the World Health Organisation has been advocating mass testing for nearly a year.

“In December and January, our region went from having nearly the lowest numbers in the country, to the highest, in a matter of weeks due to the new variant. That’s how serious this virus is and it’s time for the Scottish Government to bring in mass testing where possible.”