NHS Lanarkshire is handing out Covid testing kits at mosques in Coatbridge and Bellshill following a rise in coronavirus cases in both towns.
The health board is also urging residents of these areas to do a test "twice a week" with the quickest and simplest ways to keep safe from Covid, and stop further spread, being "to keep your distance and take regular tests".
Dr Jackie Hyland, NHS Lanarkshire consultant in health protection, said: "I would strongly encourage people to do a COVID test twice per week. The more the virus spreads undetected, the greater chance new variants can take hold.
“By having a regular test, and taking up the vaccine offer, we keep infections down.”
To make it easier, an NHS Lanarkshire team will be handing out testing kits at the local mosques in Bellshill and Coatbridge on the following dates and times: Friday, June 4 (11am-3pm), and Monday, June 7 (12pm-2pm), at the Central Mosque, 5 Clydesdale Street, Mossend, ML4 2RS; and Friday, June 11 (12.30pm-2.30pm) at Coatbridge Mosque, 10 Quarry Street, ML5 3PU.
Dr Hyland added: “I would like to thank the board of trustees and Imam for making it possible for our team to give out testing kits to the local communities.
"This isn’t just for those who attend the mosque for prayers. Anyone can come along to either mosque to pick up a testing kit.
“If you have had the vaccine or a negative test result, it is still important to remember the basics - keep your distance, wear a face covering and clean your hands. If you are planning to meet others, please meet outside whenever possible.”
Testing kits also can be ordered online here or by calling 119 for home delivery.
For those who would prefer, testing sites are also available throughout Lanarkshire, with sites are listed online
