RESIDENTS in the county are struggling to book a coronavirus test online, even if they are showing symptoms.

Those who try to book a test through the Government's portal were receiving messages that "more tests should be available later" and "if you cannot book a test now or the location or time was not convenient, try again in a few hours."

There was no option to have a test at the local station at Sixways or to drive anywhere outside of the local Worcester testing station area.

Visitors to the online booking system are told: "Only get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms or have been asked to get tested. This will help make sure people who need a test can get one.

"If you have coronavirus symptoms, you need to get a test done as soon as possible. You need to get the test done in the first five days of having symptoms."

When our reporter visited Sixways Stadium in Worcester this afternoon (September 9) a testing site for the county, it appeared that testing was taking place, with two cars going through the cordon in under 30 minutes after stopping briefly.

Worcestershire County Council said: “We are aware that some residents are struggling to book a test for Covid in the local area.

"There are issues nationally with access to testing, and Worcestershire is having the same difficulties as other parts of the country. There is also a national issue in accessing home testing kits.

If you have Covid-19 symptoms and are unable to arrange a test, please don’t give up, keep trying, and in the meantime it is really important that you still self -isolate for 10 days from the first day of your symptoms.”