Virus testing centre to open in Linwood
People in Linwood are being urged to find out if they have Covid- 19 when a temporary testing site is set up in the area.
The testing site for people without symptoms of the virus will be open from tomorrow until Tuesday, April 27.
It aims to slow the spread of the virus in the area which has seen higherthan- average rates of Covid-19.
The facility, run by Renfrewshire Council, will be in Tweedie Hall and will be run on a drop-in basis so booking is not required.
It is being targeted at anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Linwood and is only for those who are not displaying any symptoms.
The centre will use lateral flow tests – which are quick tests that will be processed on site and see results returned via text message within 45 minutes.
Chri s D a l r ymple, Renfrewshire Council’s chief environmental health officer, said: “Asymptomatic testing is helping us stop the spread of Covid-19 in Renfrewshire.
“Our other temporary asymptomatic testing centres in Johnstone, Gallowhill and Ferguslie helped us find people in these communities who had Covid- 19 and were spreading it without knowing it.
“This testing centre will allow us to do the same in Linwood, helping us to stop the spread of the virus in the community.
“I would encourage anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Linwood to visit our testing centre.
“Taking a test is the best way to protect your loved ones and your community.”
The testing site will be open from 9am to 5pm on Wednesday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday, 11am to 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 11am to 7pm on Thursday.
Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-isolate – along with the rest of their household - for ten days.
Anyone who does have Covid-19 symptoms - such as a new persistent cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell - should not attend the Linwood centre but book a test at a NHS-run site instead.
More information on community testing is available at www. renfrewshire. gov. uk/ coronav i rus- testingcentres.