A mobile coronavirus testing unit will visit Dalry and Kilwinning this week as part of its continuing tour of North Ayrshire.

The temporary facility will allow residents who have COVID-19 symptoms to get a free swab test as part of the government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.

The mobile test centres provide another way for people without access to cars to book appointments, and to improve accessibility to testing in the heart of communities.

When and where will the testing unit be available?

Wednesday, January 27: Dalry Community Fire Station, 1 Bridgend Lane, Dalry, KA24 4LR

Sunday, January 31: Kilwinning Community Fire Station, Stevenston Road, Kilwinning, KA20 3AD

Who can get a test?

You should only book a test if you have coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new and continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste).

If you have any of these symptoms you must self-isolate immediately, only leaving home to take a test.

You should continue to self-isolate until you have received your result.

How to book a test?

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

Tests can be booked from 6pm on the evening before the testing unit opens at each site.

How does it work?

If you are attending the mobile testing centre, you'll be asked to confirm your identity on arrival.

You will then be issued with a test kit and directed to a testing booth, where you will be given guidance to help you do the swab test yourself by taking swabs from both the nose and mouth.

The swab test takes less than a minute and is relatively pain-free.

After safely completing the test, a testing assistant will advise you how to register your test online or by phone and then how to exit the centre.

You should receive your result the next day.

What measures should I follow?

If you are coming to be tested, you will be required to follow public health measures, including: physical distancing, not travelling by taxi or public transport, practising good personal hygiene and wearing a face covering throughout (including travelling to and from the mobile testing sites).

What happens if I test positive?

If you test positive you will be contacted by NHS Scotland tracers.

They will let you know how long you and your household should self-isolate for and help you identify who you have been in contact with, protecting others from further transmission.

Your close contacts will also hear from contact tracers, asking them to stay at home for 10 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus.

They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms.

You can watch a video explaining the process for walk-through testing on YouTube.