ANYONE living and working in West Linton can now book a coronavirus test amid growing case numbers in the village.

NHS Borders has announced that a Mobile Testing Unit (MTU) will be open at the Graham Institute, on Lower Green, tomorrow (Wednesday, January 27).

It will also be open on Thursday, and next Tuesday and Wednesday (February 2-3).

NHS Borders' public health director Tim Patterson said: "We have seen an increase in the number of positive cases in West Linton and surrounding areas over the last few weeks and there is evidence of COVID-19 spreading within these local communities.

“I would therefore encourage local people to get tested even if they currently feel well, as some people can have COVID-19 without displaying any of the common symptoms."

Earlier today, it was announced that Hawick had started offering tests to everyone living or working in the town – even if they are feeling fine.

West Linton residents can start booking at 6pm today, with appointments available from tomorrow.

Dr Patterson said: "Please protect yourself and others – take this opportunity to get tested and remember to stick to the Scottish Government rules, stay at home and follow the FACTS:

· Face coverings in enclosed spaces

· Avoid crowded places

· Clean hands and surfaces regularly

· Two metre distancing; and

· Self-isolate and book a test if you have symptoms

“COVID-19 thrives on human contact if you do not mix with others you cannot catch or spread COVID. This is especially pertinent as evidence suggests that around a third of people with COVID-19 show no symptoms so they do not know that they are carrying or spreading this deadly virus.

“Being tested is a quick process and the more people who get tested, the more easily we can help stop the virus from spreading even more.

"So we’d urge anyone living in West Linton and the surrounding areas to make an appointment as soon as possible.”

Appointments can be booked online or over the phone at 0300 303 2713 by selecting the option: ‘My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’.