DEMAND for PCR tests is soaring in Worcester but people were still able to use the Covid-testing at County Hall today.

Drivers could be seen queuing up at the drive-through testing centre in the city yesterday - but some people reported problems booking a test.

The Government's self-referral page on the website yesterday listed PCR tests as 'none available' in all regions of England including the West Midlands.

However, later in the day all regions were once again listed as having PCR tests available for all regions of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid has acknowledged a global shortage of lateral flow and PCR tests was impacting the UK, setting out the situation in a phone call with Tory MP Sir Roger Gale.

Readers have reported a mixed picture in Worcestershire with some able to access the test booking system and others reporting difficulties.

A Facebook post asked if people in Worcestershire had had any trouble getting a PCR test.

Sarah Veale replied: "No, went to County Hall this morning for a drive through PCR."

Joanne Gummery said she had 'no problems at all' getting a test. However, Kerry Wood said 'my nearest two days ago was Wales' and shared details of test centres in Monmouth and Powys.

Rebecca Cotterrell wrote: "I couldn't get a PCR on Boxing day and all week in Worcester when I tried to book one boxing day morning. The nearest was Gloucester.

"Then when I checked again on Monday they suddenly had loads available all week in Worcester. So not sure if something wrong with the system maybe and now it's ok. My concern is lack of LF tests for everyone including nurses who cant even get hold of them."

Lisa N Reggie Stone wrote: "Yes chemist advised that my daughter should see the GP, said she has a chest infection signs.Tried calling and the receptionist says that she needs to do a PCR test even though we have been doing regular flow tests as well and all been negative. So tried to get her a home test sent so that we can let the GP know and there isn’t any available."

On Tuesday there were 129,471 new cases and 18 deaths in 28 days of a positive test were reported in England and Wales. This is data which includes the number of people receiving a first, second and booster dose of the vaccine.

A UK Health Security Agency spokesman said: “PCR tests are currently available to book online. However, exceptionally high demand for PCR appointments can lead to temporary reduced availability in some areas.

“We have made 100,000 more PCR booking slots available per day since mid-December and we are continuing to rapidly expand capacity, with over half a million tests carried out on December 23 alone.

“If you are symptomatic, you should stay at home while you are waiting for a home test kit or a test site appointment.

“If you need to leave your home to get to a test site, wear a face covering, stay at least two metres apart from other people who you do not live with, and return home immediately afterwards.”

The UK’s testing programme is the biggest in Europe with nearly 400 million tests carried out to date, twice the number in France and more than four times the number in Germany.

However, the Government has reported that there continues to be exceptionally high demand for tests and that they are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, as well as prioritising at-risk groups.

A spokesman said: "When there is exceptionally high demand for home testing we temporarily pause the booking portal to control the flow of tests into our laboratories and maintain maximum operational capacity. We have already added winter surge capacity to our laboratory network and continue to expand processing capability within our existing laboratories to meet demand."

Booking slots for PCR testing sites have been increased by up to 100,000 per day since Thursday, December 16, especially in areas where booking slots have previously been filled.

Those who are symptomatic can go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing-and-tracing/get-a-test-to-check-if-you-have-coronavirus/ or call 119 to book an appointment or order a home test kit.

A spokesperson at Worcestershire County Council said: “Rapid lateral flow tests are currently available in Worcestershire."

To find out where to collect these tests, people are advised to go to the rapid lateral flow test page on the county council website.