The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government, NHS Lanarkshire and the council aims to drive down local COVID-19 rates and transmission by identifying positive cases more quickly, as people can spread the virus to others before symptoms appear.

North Lanarkshire residents who don’t have any of the three COVID symptoms (a new continuous cough, temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell) are encouraged to get tested.

Testing is available at Airdrie Leisure Centre,9:30am to 5.30pmpm, from Tuesday 2 March. There is no need to book.

This site is only for people without symptoms. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices, which can give people their results in around 45 minutes. Any positive cases will then be confirmed by PCR test.

Anyone who receives a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate.

Dedicated support is available to anyone who needs to self-isolate, including financial and food support. Contact North Lanarkshire Council's Community Assistance Helpline on 0300 555 0407, which is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from nhsinform.scot/northlanarkshire.gov.uk/coronavirus