Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Shirley Bartynek

New walk-through COVID testing centre opens in Blantyre

The UK Government has today opened a new walk-through coronavirus testing centre in Blantyre.

The test centre, at Springwells Neighbourhood Hall, is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history.

In Scotland, this comprises eight drive through sites, 51 walk-through sites, 42 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all COVID testing and test processing outside of the NHS.

Health Minister Lord Bethell told Lanarkshire Live: "To respond to the coronavirus, we have built a major testing and tracing system from scratch.

"We are constantly working to expand and improve it with new technologies and innovations so everyone with symptoms can get a test. New walk-in sites like this one makes it even easier to get a test no matter where you live.

"If you have symptoms of coronavirus, I urge you to book a test today and follow the advice of NHS Test and Protect if you are contacted to protect others and stop the spread of the virus."

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart said: "The UK Government continues to provide the bulk of testing in Scotland, a programme which is vital to our recovery from this pandemic.

"Alongside the roll-out of UK Government-funded vaccines, testing is helping us to manage the virus, slow down the rate of transmission and protect communities.

"I'd like to thank the public for continuing to do the right thing by coming forward to be tested if they show symptoms. This new walk-through facility in Blantyre is the latest in our extensive network of testing centres supporting people in all parts of the UK."

PCR tests must be booked in advance or by calling 119.

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) or have been instructed to do so by a clinician or NHS contact tracer.

Lateral Flow Test Kits are also now available for pick up without an appointment at the majority of the local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30pm each day.

Tests can also be ordered online or by phone by calling 119.

For more information and to order a test kit online, head to Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested in Scotland.

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.