Rapid coronavirus testing rolled out in East Ayrshire
It becomes the last of the three local authorities to start the programme.
East Ayrshire Council is the last of the three local authorities to begin rapid coronavirus testing for people without symptoms.
From today and for the next two weeks, anyone not displaying the common signs such as a cough, temperature or loss of taste and smell can go for a test.
They are being carried out at Hurlford Community Centre and no appointment is needed. The centre will be open 10am-6pm, seven days a week.
The community testing initiative is in partnership with the Scottish Government, the NHS, the Army and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
It 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.
People will be tested using lateral flow devices (LFD), which can give a result in around 45 minutes.
There is no need to wait at the testing centre for the result as it will be sent to you by text message or you'll receive a call on your landline if you don't have a mobile phone. If you don't have either, alternative arrangements will be made at the testing centre.
Any positive cases will then be confirmed by PCR test. Those who receive a positive LFD or PCR test result will be asked to self-isolate.
People are asked to avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes before doing the test to reduce the risk of spoiling the test.
Further advice and information on what support is available for people who need to self-isolate is available from nhsinform.scot.