Covid-19 cases are soaring across Renfrewshire again as a new testing site is planned for Bishopton.
Figures released earlier today show a 100 per cent increase in new coronavirus cases in the county in the past week.
In the seven days to Friday 760 cases were recorded.
On Wednesday alone 153 people tested positive for the virus, nearing Renfrewshire’s all-time high of 170 - recorded on June 29.
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It means the local authority area ins now recording an infection rate of 464 cases per 100,000 of population.
The hike in rates comes two weeks after most Covid-19 restrictions were lifted across Scotland and one week after schools reopened in Renfrewshire.
In Bishopton, one of the worst affected areas for Covid-19 in the region, a new testing site is opening on Wednesday.
Based at Bishopton Community Centre, the temporary facility will run until Tuesday, August 31 and is aimed at asymptomatic people who live, work or attend school in Bishopton.
It hopes to identify people who do not have symptoms of the virus but who many unknowingly be passing it to others.
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.
“Getting tested is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe from the virus.”
The testing site is operating on a drop-in basis, so no booking is needed.
It 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 and follows similar initiatives in Linwood, Cochrane Castle, Renfrew, Ferguslie and Johnstone.
The testing site will be open between 9am and 5pm on Wednesday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday; between 11am and 7pm on Thursday and from 11am to 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Anyone who does have covid symptoms such as a new persistent cough, high temperature, and/or loss of taste or smell should continue to book a test at an NHS-run centre.
Anyone who tests positive will be required to self-isolate for ten days.
More information about the testing centre is available at is at www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing-centres
