A NEW walk-through coronavirus testing centre has opened in Airdrie. 

The UK Government confirmed the new facility at Chapel Lane Car Park started operating yesterday. 

It is part of the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities created in British history. In Scotland, this comprises eight drive-through sites, 46 walk-through sites, 42 mobile units, plus the Glasgow Lighthouse Lab which is working round the clock to process samples.

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In Scotland, the UK Government is providing all COVID testing and test processing outside of the NHS. Around two-thirds of all daily tests are provided by the UK Government, in support of Scotland’s health services.

Tests must be booked in advance at: www.nhsinform.scot/test-and-protect or by calling 0800 028 2816.

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People should only book a 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 now available for pick up without an appointment at the majority of the local walk-in or drive-through test sites from 3.30 pm each day and will be available from all test sites by the middle of next week. 

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

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