Residents of Bishopton 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 25 August until Tuesday 31 August and aims to slow the spread of the virus in the area – which has seen fluctuating rates of COVID-19 recently.

The facility will be in Bishopton Community Centre 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 Bishopton and is only for those who are not displaying any symptoms.

Anyone who does have COVID-19 symptoms (new persistent cough, high temperature, loss of taste/smell) 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 Linwood, Cochrane Castle, Renfrew, Ferguslie and Johnstone.

The testing site will be open:

  • Wednesday 25 August, 9am-5pm
  • Thursday 26 August, 11am-7pm
  • Friday 27 August, 9am-5pm
  • Saturday 28 August, 11am-3.30pm
  • Sunday 29 August, 11am-3.30pm
  • Monday 30 August, 9am-5pm
  • Tuesday 31 August 9am-5pm

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “Asymptomatic testing in Renfrewshire is helping us stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities by finding people who are carrying the virus without knowing it.

“We have moved beyond level zero, but the virus is still out there, and we have to continue doing everything we can to stay ahead of it.

“I would urge anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Bishopton to come along to our centre and take a test.

“You do not need to have symptoms to be carrying COVID-19. Getting tested is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe from the virus.”

Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-isolate for 10 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 is at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing-centres

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Founder of Paisley.org.uk in 1998 and constantly strives to change peoples attitudes to the town, Brian is a self described Paisley Digital Champion who promotes Paisley via any means necessary. You can also follow me on X