Bellshill now has its own testing centre

The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government, NHS Lanarkshire and North Lanarkshire Council aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.

Residents are being encouraged to get tested, whether they have any symptoms or not – and tests, which must be pre-booked run from 9.30am to 5.30pm

Testing will be available from the Sir Matt Busby Sports Centre from 9:30am to 5:30pm each day until Monday, March 29

Public Health Minister Mairi Gougeon said: “Targeted testing in this way will help us find and isolate more cases, by targeting resources with communities where there is high prevalence, helping us to identify more cases of the virus.

“However, a test only tells us if we are positive at the point in time that we are being tested. It does not mean that we can stop following all of the rules and guidelines which are in place to protect all of us.

"Testing is only one layer of protection against this virus – all others, including vaccination and the FACTS guidance work to greatest effect when they work together, so it is essential people follow the guidance.”

To book a test, go to www.nhsinform.scot or call 0800 028 2816 if you cannot get online.