Residents of Gallowhill in Paisley are being urged to find out if they have Covid19 when a mobile test centre for people without symptoms of the virus arrives in the area later this week.

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The mobile units will be in the area from Thursday 25 February for a week and aim to slow the spread of the virus in the area – which has seen high rates of Covid19 transmission recently.

The test site will be split across two nearby sites – a drive-through site in the car park of the Gallowhill Court high flats and a walk-through site in the car park of the Martyr’s Sandyford Church.

They will be open to any resident of Gallowhill to find out if they have the virus. They are only for those who are asymptomatic – anyone with symptoms should go to an NHS-run centre.

The Gallowhill testing unit follows a successful pilot last year which saw more than 5,000 residents of Johnstone turn out over a week to find out if they were carrying the virus.

It will use PCR tests – which are the most accurate Covid test and require to be sent away to a lab, with results arriving via text message or email.

Any Gallowhill resident who wishes to be tested is being asked to book an appointment online. Testing will be run by the Scottish Ambulance Service and will be open each day from 9,.30am to 6pm.

Councillor Jim Paterson, Renfrewshire Council’s deputy leader and local ward member, said: “Gallowhill has had stubbornly-high rates of Covid19 in recent weeks and we want to bring that down and slow the spread of the virus.

“It is a tight-knit community and I would appeal to residents to get a test and help protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbours.

“We know people can have and spread the virus without knowing they have it – so this is a chance for Gallowhill residents to find out if they are among them.”

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

Financial support is available – you may be eligible for a Self-Isolation Support Grant and can apply for this through the council.

More information and instructions on how to book a test is at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing-gallowhill