Gov website tells Northamptonshire residents 'there are no Covid tests available in your area'

Residents have reported being unable to book Covid tests. One resident provided this screenshot that he was advised to drive 26 miles to Atherstone.

Northamptonshire residents are still being told there are no Covid-19 tests available for them in following a warning about lack of testing capacity last week.

Residents and councillors have contacted the Chronicle & Echo today (September 14) to say they have been met with automated messages on the Gov.uk website that there are either 'no test sites' or the site is too busy to help. They are also unable to order a home testing kit.

The latest guidance says there are eight testing centres across Northamptonshire today - but all tests must be booked in advance.

There are eight testing centres open in Northamptonshire today - but all tests must be booked in advance.

One Daventry resident has even provided a screenshot to show they were even advised their nearest testing centre was in Atherstone - 26 miles away.

It comes after health bosses shared concerns on Friday (September 11) that the government was unable to ensure the county had the number of tests it required as demand has increased in other areas of England.

Northampton borough councillor Anamul Haque [Castle, Lab.] told the Chron he had been contacted by several residents who were presenting symptoms but were unable to get tested.

He said: "My residents have told me it is impossible to book a test and are only told there are no test sites found.

"Only a week ago were being told to get a test even if you just suspected you had it. We are not out of the woods yet, but people are trying to book a test but can't.

"People are unable to go to work or their place of worship or see their family until it is confirmed or they are tested negative.

"I am worried and concerned for my community, especially people of a minority background who have proven more susceptible to the virus."

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said they could not offer breakdowns of individual testing sites.

They said: "We are seeing a significant demand for tests including from people who do not have symptoms and are not otherwise eligible.

"“New booking slots and home testing kits are made available daily for those who need them and we are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, and prioritising at-risk groups."

Northamptonshire is currently listed as an area with a "significantly higher" infection rate than average in England.