I am aware of current difficulties in accessing COVID tests and have raised this urgently with government. I have looked further into this issue on your behalf after being contacted by constituents and wanted to set out the situation, my concerns and what I’m doing to try and help.
The number of tests being carried out in Devon rapidly increased last week, as anticipated, as children went back to the classroom and holidaymakers returned from abroad.
Once local laboratory capacity has been reached, local bookings become unavailable and the system will then search any available sites with free appointments, irrespective of geography, hence the offers of Swansea, Plymouth or even further afield.
Bookings are open in phases during the day – early in the morning for afternoon bookings, and in the evening for morning appointments. This is designed to help people take a test as quickly as possible. As a result, the site can temporarily disappear from the portal, and then reappear later in the day.
To ensure tests can be given to those with the greatest need, it’s important that only those with one or more symptoms of COVID – a high temperature, a cough, a loss of taste or smell – book tests.
We are already carrying out well over 220,000 NHS tests every day across the UK, one of the highest rates per capita in the world.
However, the understandable surge in demand for tests has clearly challenged the system and there’s clearly more to do to build up capacity.
I know that you might have children in school displaying symptoms. You might need a negative test so you’re allowed back into work. You should be able to get a test.
I have raised this issue urgently with the Health Secretary and his team. I have also spoken with NHS Devon and Public Health officials. I am raising concerns shared with me at every level and pushing for a solution as quickly as possible.
If you have specific examples you’re willing to share, please get in touch with me directly by emailing simon.jupp.mp@parliament.uk.