A NEW testing centre for those showing no symptoms of coronavirus will open in Barrhead next week in a bid to help break the chain of transmission.

People who have the virus may not show symptoms or these can be so mild or unusual that they are not recognised as Covid-19.

This means that, without knowing it, people could be spreading the illness to their loved ones, work colleagues and the wider community.

The asymptomatic test centre will initially target people who live and work in Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor and will be based at the sevens pavilion in Cowan Park.

It will operate on a drop-in basis, with no appointment necessary, from March 1 and will be open from Monday to Saturday for the next five weeks.

Opening hours will be from 12pm until 7.30pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 12pm until 5pm on Saturdays.

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council told the Barrhead News: "The test site is for members of the public who are not experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.

"If you feel you may have symptoms, such as loss of taste and smell, a high temperature or new and continuous cough, you should arrange a test via your GP or NHS24.

"We would encourage everyone living or working in the area to go along and have a rapid test. Please bring your smartphone with you and you will get a result texted to you in 45 minutes or less.

"The centre will also advise of support available if you have a positive test, so that you can isolate and not spread the infection."

For more information about Covid-19 testing, including for those people who may be experiencing symptoms, visit www.nhsinform.scot.