Mobile Covid-19 testing units will be situated in Airdrie and Larkhall from today (Wednesday 10 February) for community testing.

• Airdrie – Airdrie Leisure Centre car park
• Larkhall – Larkhall Leisure Centre car park

The testing units will be open daily between 9.30am and 5.30pm.

Dr Jackie Hyland, NHS Lanarkshire Consultant in Public Health, said: “These mobile testing facilities will support the rapid identification of cases.

“Anyone from Airdrie or Larkhall, and the surrounding areas, can book to get a test and we would encourage as many people as possible to do so.”

Tests can be booked in advance at https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, scroll down to the ‘start now’ button, or telephone 0800 028 2816. Anyone booking a test online should select the ‘taking part in community testing’ option.

Staff will be on hand to provide advice about the test and result process. The swab test takes less than a minute, is relatively pain-free, and you should receive your result within 24-48 hours.

If you test positive you will be contacted by NHS Scotland contact tracers. They will let you know how long you and your household should self-isolate for and help you identify who you have been in contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Your close contacts will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

It is important that everyone continues to follow the national FACTS guidance:

• F – face covering
• A – avoid crowded places
• C – clean hands and surfaces regularly
• T – two metres distance from other people
• S – self-isolate and book a test if you have covid-19 symptoms (new continuous cough, fever or loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste)