PCR test shortage as demand rises
PEOPLE in need of a PCR test in Derbyshire have been told to keep checking the Government website as tests remained unavailable for several hours yesterday.
No slots were available anywhere across the county, the East Midlands or anywhere in England as of 11.45am, and despite some becoming available by noon, home test kits were still unavailable.
It mirrors a trend seen over the past few days where tests are unavailable in the morning, before becoming available again in the afternoon, as health services try to keep pace with demand for testing.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) insisted when approached by the Derby Telegraph that tests are available for those who need them but added that demand can temporarily outstrip supply.
The rise of the Omicron variant and the number of people wanting to get tested over the festive period have been blamed as causes for the lack of testing availability, and the public have also been urged to ensure they get the right type of test, with many people who do not have symptoms booking PCR tests when only a lateral flow test (LFT) is required.
A spokesperson for the UKHSA said: “Appointments for PCR tests are available, but high demand can lead to temporary reduced availability in some areas. More appointments are made available to book every afternoon.
“Testing is playing an integral role in keeping people safe and managing the virus and we’re so grateful to everyone that’s getting tested to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
“Everyone with symptoms or who is directed to get a PCR test should continue to come forward to get a test delivered to their home or at a test site.”
Double-vaccinated people who are close contacts of – but do not live with – someone who has tested positive do not need to take a PCR test, and instead can continue with their day-to-day activities provided they are asymptomatic and return negative lateral flow tests for seven days.
If a test comes back positive, they must self-isolate for up to 10 days, and you must also selfisolate if you are an unvaccinated close contact of someone who tests positive.
If you do begin to show symptoms, you should then get a PCR test and begin to self-isolate. The UKHSA has said that even if you cannot book a PCR test, you should self-isolate if you are showing symptoms.
The shortage of tests comes as Omicron continues to fuel high case numbers across the country.
Two areas of Derby - Darley Abbey and Allestree North - both recorded more than 1,600 positive cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to Thursday, December 23 according to Government figures, the highest rates in Derbyshire.
Every area of the county has at least 400 cases per 100,000 people.
But concern has also been raised about a shortage of lateral flow tests in Derbyshire, with the closure of many pharmacies across the county over the Christmas period causing problems for families in need of tests.
One comment on the Spotted in Ripley Facebook group, from Donnalee Cope on Tuesday, said: “None available, all out of stock with signs up. If anyone finds any please advise where? I guess till tomorrow it’s still [a] Bank Holiday. Hopefully back to normal tomorrow.”
However, a Derby Telegraph reporter was able to order a box of tests yesterday morning .
The shortage of tests has also caused delays in some people getting results back, with concern now being raised ahead of New Year’s Eve, which will have no further restrictions in place.