NHS BORDERS has renewed an appeal to people who live and work in Hawick, urging them to book a coronavirus test even if they have no symptoms.

The town has a mobile testing unit (MTU) in the car park of the Teviotdale Leisure Centre on Mansfield Road.

The MTU was set up three weeks ago, but health chiefs are still encouraging people to book a slot.

NHS Borders’ public health director Tim Patterson said: “Local community testing is open to anyone who lives, works or volunteers in Hawick, even if they do not have any symptoms.

“We would particularly encourage those who cannot work from home or limit their interactions with others to consider booking a test by visiting the GOV.UK website or calling 0800 028 2816.”

Nearly one in three cases occur in people who have no symptoms, according to the NHS.

A spokesperson added: “Identifying as many cases as we can is vital in our fight against this pandemic, and will help us make progress in returning to normal as soon as we can.”

The latest message to Hawick was sent with the heading: ‘Help us Hawick – take part in our community testing programme’.