Rutherglen Reformer

Walk-through Covid testing centre opens

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A walk-through Covid-19 testing centre opened its doors in Castlemilk this week.

The Barlia Sports Complex became the latest hub in the city for locals with coronaviru­s symptoms.

The Glenwood Path centre is the fifth walk-in site to open in Glasgow, adding to those in the likes of Pollok and the Gorbals.

Councillor Euan Blockley, who represents Castlemilk as part of his

Linn ward, said:“As we continue to fight the pandemic, community testing is playing a key part in stopping the virus spreading within the community.

“It is welcome that the UK Government have now opened a walk-through site right here in Castlemilk.

“That makes it easier for any residents suffering Covid symptoms to go and get tested, especially those who do not drive.”

Last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited a Covid vaccinatio­n hub in the Glasgow Club Castlemilk, a stone’s throw away from the new walk-through testing site.

Dr Linda De Caestecker, director for Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:“We welcome the additional testing facility in Castlemilk which will make it easier for more people to access testing during this crucial period.

“Testing, working alongside other control measures will be key to helping control and minimise the spread of the virus in our communitie­s.

“I would encourage people to get tested with any symptoms suggestive of Covid, no matter how mild they are.”

Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-andprotect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

A Just Giving page that called for people to forego buying cards and flowers for Valentine’s Day has raised more than £3000 for the NHS.

Valentines For The NHS was set up by brand marketer Claire Ruddock.

The campaign asked for people not to shell out on “cutesy cards”or“naff red and pink hearts”, but instead to donate money that can be given to help support NHS workers.

Claire says that these dedicated NHS workers show the true meaning of love by“sacrificin­g themselves for the sake of others.”

She continued:“They have chosen us over themselves.

“We can choose them this February and make them our Valentines.”

Claire set up the page last month after she saw news stories on the trauma NHS workers are experienci­ng amid the pandemic.

She explained:“It was on my mind a lot and I wanted to do something, even if it was just really little and local.”

To date, the Valentines For The NHS campaign has raised an impressive £3022 for NHS Charities Together, almost doubling its target of £1402 – a homage to February 14.

To back the campaign, visit justgiving.com/ fundraisin­g/lovetheNHS

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