Asymptomatic covid testing site announced
A TESTING centre for people in Inverclyde who are not displaying Covid-19 symptoms is being set up in Gourock.
It will be located at the Gamble Halls in Shore Street and will be open from Tuesday (2 March).
Inverclyde Council is working in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (GGC) health board and the Army to get the site up and running.
The facility is aimed at people who have Covid-19 but may not realise it because their symptoms are so mild or unusual to help reduce transmission of the virus further.
The site will operate on a drop-in basis, with no appointment needed, and results of the free rapid coronavirus test will usually be available within 30 minutes.
Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s convener of health and social care, said: “The establishment of an asymptomatic testing centre in Inverclyde is another tool for us to use in the battle against this terrible virus, alongside existing symptomatic testing facilities and the ongoing rollout of the vaccine.
“Without knowing it, people could be spreading covid to their loved ones, work colleagues or the wider community.
“People are understandably anxious and worried about catching and passing on the virus so this new asymptomatic testing facility will hopefully give people some added peace of mind.”
The Gourock site is one of eight being set up across the NHS GGC area and will be run by the Army.
It will be open between 11am and 7pm Tuesday-Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.
The centre is for asymptomatic testing only for people who live and work locally who are not experiencing coronavirus symptoms.
Anyone who is experiencing covid symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell, a high temperature or new and continuous cough, should arrange a test in the normal way via their employer, GP or NHS24.
Advice will be given at the asymptomatic test centre of support available if someone tests positive so that they can isolate and stop the spread the virus.
Other asymptomatic testing centres may be opened in other areas throughout early spring.
For more information, including a frequently asked questions section, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/asymptomatic-test.
To find out about Covid-19 testing, including for those people who may be experiencing symptoms, please visit www.nhsinform.scot or the coronavirus pages of www.inverclyde.gov.uk.
Inverclyde residents can call the local coronavirus helpline on 01475 715275 to access a wide range of advice and support, from shielding information and food deliveries, to prescription deliveries and keeping homes warm this winter.