Kilmarnock's Grand Hall will make the transition back to an entertainment venue today.
The iconic building was transformed into a makeshift coronavirus test centre in December 2020.
But East Ayrshire Council and NHS Ayrshire & Arran announced today that tests will be carried out at a more central location in the town from today.
After almost eight months as a vital tool in the region's battle to get Covid under control, the historic building will soon be entertaining people again.
Instead, symptomatic members of the public can get a walk-through appointment at The Strand at 15 Strand Street, KA1 1HU, in Kilmarnock town centre.
The centre will operate seven days a week with appointments available from 8am to 8pm.
Tests must be booked in advance at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816. People should only book at test if they have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of smell or taste). The centre is easily accessible for people without a car.
Anyone travelling to and from the test centre must wear a face mask and must not use taxis or public transport.
Tests in this centre are self-administered. This involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat. The process is simple, only takes a few minutes, and full instructions are provided. Staff are on hand to provide additional support for vulnerable people and those with disabilities.
Anyone testing positive will be contacted by NHS Scotland tracers. They will help them identify those they have been in contact with, protecting others from further transmission.
Lateral flow device test kits will also be available to collect from The Strand from 8am-8pm seven days a week.
The walk-through centre is in addition to the Scottish Government’s Community Testing Programme.
Lynne McNiven, joint director of Public Health at NHS Ayrshire & Arran said: “This testing centre will ensure that those living in East Ayrshire will have access to tests as quickly and easily as possible. This is vital so that we can identify cases quickly, allowing them to self-isolate and limit the spread of COVID-19.”
Councillor Douglas Reid, leader of East Ayrshire Council, added: “The walk-through site at the Grand Hall has been very well used since it opened in December and we hope this will continue at The Strand.
"We’re delighted to see the Grand Hall going back to its original purpose of entertaining people and being used by the community, and we are pleased to have another conveniently placed testing location opening in Kilmarnock town centre.
“I would encourage anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms to get tested to help protect their family, friends and community.”
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