A rapid coronavirus testing centre will soon be available for people without symptoms in North Ayrshire.

The community testing initiative, in partnership with the Scottish Government, NHS Scotland, The Army, and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service 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.

Residents who don't have any of the three main COVID-19 symptoms - a new and continuous cough, high temperature, loss or change in sense of taste or smell - are encouraged to get tested.

Booking will not be required and testing will be available for a two-week period, seven days a week, from Wednesday, February 24, at Castlepark Community Centre, Irvine, between 10am and 6pm.

This site is only for people without symptoms.

Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should book a test in the usual way via www.nhsinform.scot or by calling 0800 028 2816.

Residents will be tested using lateral flow devices (LFD), which can give people their results in around 45 minutes.

Any positive cases will then be confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

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

Dedicated support is available to North Ayrshire residents who need to self-isolate, including access to food and financial support.

People who need help should call 01294 310000.

Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from www.nhsinform.scot.