LINWOOD residents are being urged to find out if they have Covid-19 when a temporary testing site for people without symptoms of the virus is set up in the area. 

The testing site will be open from Wednesday for a week and aims to slow the spread of the virus in the area – which has seen higher-than-average rates of Covid-19. 

The facility will be in Tweedie Hall, in Bridge Street, until Tuesday, April 27 and will be run on a drop-in basis, with no booking is needed. 

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. 

Anyone who does have Covid-19 symptoms, such as new persistent cough or high temperature, should book a test for an NHS-run centre instead. 

The facility 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. 

It is being run and staffed by Renfrewshire Council as part of the national rollout of community testing sites. 

It follows a successful deployment of temporary Covid-19 test sites in Johnstone, Gallowhill and Ferguslie Park in Paisley. 

The testing site will be open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, apart from Thursday, when it will be open from 11am to 7pm, and at the weekend, when it will be open from 11am to 3.30pm.

Chris Dalrymple, the 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.” 

Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-isolate – along with the rest of their household - for ten days. 

Financial support is available for those eligible for a Self-Isolation Support Grant, which can be applied for through the council.

For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing-centres.