Thousands of Covid-19 lateral flow testing kits are now available from more than a dozen shops, supermarkets and other venues across Inverclyde.

Inverclyde Council has sourced supplies from the health service and distributed them in locations throughout the area.

Tests were also supplied to various outlets and venues before Christmas.

More are now available in supermarkets, retailers, a bingo hall and garden centre, as well as the Port Glasgow Town Hall Vaccination Centre.

Local authority staff have also delivered additional tests to community pharmacies to supplement their existing supply chains.

The first minister today (Wednesday 5 January 2022) announced changes to Covid-19 testing arrangements, including a greater emphasis on the use of lateral flow tests.

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, said:

“Regular testing, even if you do not have symptoms, is an important tool to help limit the spread of Covid-19 and the new Omicron variant.

“Having lateral flow tests as easily accessible as possible in retail and community locations, as well as in existing settings such as pharmacies, is a great boost, especially after the updated government advice around testing and isolation.

“Many people will have Covid-19 without even knowing it and while we’re being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible and cut down on our interactions with others, we could be unknowingly spreading the virus to family, friends, colleagues or strangers we may come into contact with when we do have to venture out.

“Testing and getting a coronavirus vaccine – first, second or third ‘booster’ dose – are crucial to help protect ourselves, protect each other and protect Inverclyde.”

Lateral flow tests are now available from:

Greenock – Aldi; B&M; Club 3000 Bingo; Key Store, Cathcart Street; Lidl; Morrisons; The Range.

Port Glasgow – Aldi; B&M; B&Q; Lidl; Town Hall Vaccination Centre.

Gourock – Cardwell Garden Centre.

For more information about testing and coronavirus vaccinations, visit www.nhsinform.com, and the latest update about testing can be found at https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-5-january-2022/.

Inverclyde residents can access assistance with provisions, support and advice by calling the local Covid-19 helpline on 01475 715275 Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.