A NEW asymptomatic Covid testing centre is to open for residents in the East End. 

People who live in Barrowfield, Parkhead and Tollcross are encouraged to go to the Forge Shopping Centre from Sunday, April 3 to get tested for the virus if they are not showing symptoms. 

The centres have been targeted in areas across the city where case rates remain high despite lockdown measures. 

READ MORE: 'Rats could be here for life': Tormented city residents in infestation hell terrified to take bins out

Car park D at the East End mall will be turned into a test centre, manned by Scottish Ambulance Service workers and will be able to carry out 400 PCR tests a day. Appointments will be available seven days a week between 10am and 5pm. They can be booked here.

The virus is often spread by people who don't know they have it, said Dr Linda de Caestecker, the director of public health for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

She added: "Asymptomatic testing enables identification of infection so that people are not spreading the infection to their families, work colleagues or the wider community as they go shopping or exercising. T

"This has the potential to reduce spread overall. Please come forward for testing to help reduce transmission of the virus in this area. The centre will also give advice about support for isolation for people with a positive test."

READ MORE: Glasgow's notorious Bellgrove Hotel to be shut down as deal struck to buy it

Annemarie O'Donnell, chief executive of Glasgow City Council, said: "Huge thanks to everyone who volunteered for asymptomatic tests in the Gorbals and Govanhill.

"Support from the local communities was outstanding - making both centres the busiest in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Positive cases were picked up and further infection prevented which is great news for the city.

"More centres will continue to be set up around the city when needed and I'd encourage people without symptoms who live or work in Parkhead, Tollcross and Barrowfield to book tests at the Forge from Saturday.

"By getting testing, you'll be doing your bit to help fight the pandemic. And if infection levels drop, hopefully restrictions can continue to be eased. Please test for Glasgow."

The Parkhead testing centre will be in place for two weeks from Saturday and can be accessed off the roundabout at the car park's Biggar Street entrance (by the petrol station). People who test positive will have to self-isolate for 10 days (or longer if fever persists).

Anyone asked to self-isolate who needs support, can phone the National Assistance Helpline (0800 111 4000) or textphone (0800 111 4114) from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. The helpline can also advise people about eligibility for the Self-Isolation Support Grant.