A second rapid coronavirus testing centre for people without symptoms is set to open in Ardeer next week.

Testing will be available between 10am-6pm each day from Thursday 11 – Wednesday March 17, at Ardeer Neighbourhood Centre, 23 Shore Road, Stevenston, KA20 3NB, and there is no need to book.

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.

Local employers can also take advantage of the service by encouraging their employees, without symptoms, to get tested.

As well as helping to stop the spread of the virus in the community, testing staff will reduce the risk of outbreaks occurring in the workplace and minimise the effect this can have on employees’ health and continuity of the business.

It is recommended that staff undertake testing twice a week.

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.

The first asymptomatic COVID testing centre in North Ayrshire opened last week at Castlepark Community Centre in Irvine.