Covid-19 tests in Northamptonshire hit by capacity issues in labs

Covid-19 test centres in Northamptonshire could be forced to turn people away today due to issues with laboratory capacity.

Five sites are set up around the county in Northampton, Corby, Kettering, Thrapston and Grange Park today (Monday) as health officials attempt to control a rise in the rate of infections.

But a statement issued by the Local Resilience Forum which co-ordinates the county's response to the pandemic revealed some of Monday's appointments made need to be cancelled.

A spokesman said: "Anyone whose test has been cancelled will receive a text informing them that this is the case. Those who do not do receive a text should attend their appointment as normal.

"If you do receive a text, please continue to isolate and rebook your test on line at nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test or by calling 119. Home testing kits are also available for anyone unable to get to a site.

For the latest information about testing availability in Northamptonshire visit www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing.

Extra testing sites were deployed around the county following worrying rises in Covid-19 cases as officials battled to identify those with the virus and make sure they isolate to avoid passing it on.