Renfrew residents urged to get Covid test at new testing centre

Residents of Renfrew 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 19 May until Tuesday 25 May – helping to stop the spread of the virus.

The facility will be in Renfrew Town Hall and will be run on a drop-in basis – no booking is needed.

It is being targeted at anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Renfrew and is only for those who are not displaying any symptoms.

Anyone who does have Covid-19 symptoms – a new persistent cough, high temperature, loss of taste or smell – should book a test for an NHS-run centre instead.

The facility will use lateral flow tests – which are quick tests processed on site and see results returned via text message within 45 minutes.

People will also be able to collect free testing kits to take home with them and don’t require a booking or to take a test at the facility to receive these.

It is being run and staffed by Renfrewshire Council as part of the national community testing programme and follows successful deployments of temporary COVID-19 test sites in Johnstone, Paisley and Linwood.

The testing site will be open 9am-5pm on Wednesday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday; 11am-7pm on Thursday and 11am-3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Renfrewshire Council Depute Leader Jim Paterson said: “Cases of Coronavirus are falling and we are starting to see restrictions relaxed which is great news, testament to everyone’s efforts in following the rules and helping to stop the spread of the virus.

“The temporary testing site at Renfrew Town Hall is part of the national community testing programme and I would encourage anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Renfrew to visit and take a test.

“By doing this, you are helping yourself, your loved ones and your community – helping to keep cases low and further reduce transmission of the virus.”

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

Financial support is available and people may be eligible for a Self-Isolation Support Grant which can be applied for through the Council.

More information is at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing-centres