Shortage of tests sees people given slots in Scotland
UK SURGE IN DEMAND FOR BOTH PCR AND LATERAL FLOW KITS
PEOPLE in Newcastle were yesterday offered appointments for PCR Covid tests in Scotland – before even those appointments dried up.
The UK is facing a nationwide shortage of lateral flow and PCR tests available in pharmacies and for delivery.
It means the Government is scrambling to secure supplies of tests from around the world to meet a surge in demand as people try to comply with guidance to limit the spread of Omicron.
At around 10.30am yesterday morning, for Newcastle, the closest available drive-through test site was 63.2 miles away in Hawick, Scotland, with 47 slots, according to the online booking system.
However, later on, the website said there were “no appointments” available at either drive-through sites or walk-in sites and said to “try again in a few hours”.
On the website, it says: “Tests need to go to essential workers first, including NHS and social care staff.
“If you cannot get a test now, try again later. You will not be able to get a test through the helplines.”
The Government is under increasing pressure to up the capacity of coronavirus testing as case numbers reached their highest level yet. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that eight million lateral flow test kits would be made available to pharmacies by today.
People in Newcastle are scrambling for lateral flow tests (LFTs) in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve celebrations, with shortages across the city. Several pharmacies in Newcas
tle city centre have said they are awaiting further deliveries and that demand is “very high”.
The search for tests soared during the Christmas holiday period, with positive test results reaching record levels in England.
Although the situation remains very fluid, yesterday, Boots on Northumberland Street, on Blackett Street and in Eldon Square did not have any tests. The latter had received a delivery early in the morning but had run out by 11am,
and a staff member was unable to say when they would be get more.
There were also no LFTs to be found at Lloyds Pharmacy on Beaconsfield Street, and there was low stock at Boots at Cruddas Park and the George Social on George Street.
The West End Refugee Service and The Action Foundation were closed, leaving those in search of a test to head elsewhere.
Success could be found at Whitworth Chemist on Elswick Road, Shieldfield Pharmacy, Quayside
Pharmacy and Boots on St George’s Terrace in Jesmond. They had all recently replenished their stock, but warned people to “come soon” as they expected to “run out quickly”.
Grainger Market also had some tests, but warned they can “only give out one pack per person”.
The shortages seen in Newcastle are mirrored right across England, with many pharmacies unable to receive additional kits as the supply chains have been disrupted by the Christmas holidays.