Drive-thru Covid centre runs out of tests

A major Ayrshire Covid testing centre was forced to close last week after running out of test kits.

Prestwick Airport’s drive-thru centre was one of many sites across the country which became overwhelmed by demand for Covid-19 tests.

Last Tuesday, the UK Government test centre had to send people to other sites across Ayrshire - with some being sent as far as Dalmellington.

The test centre, which deals with PCR tests for those displaying symptoms of Covid-19, came under immense pressure this week.

It comes as case numbers hit a record high last week with Friday’s figure of almost 7,000 positive tests the highest recorded since the start of the pandemic.

The worrying spike in cases prompted talks of a‘circuit breaker’ lockdown but First Minister Nicola

Sturgeon revealed she has no plans to reintroduce a mini lockdown first seen last autumn.

Hundreds flocked to Ayrshire test centres last week with more than 700 testing positive between Monday and Thursday alone.

Government chiefs raced to get the centre back up and running to meet the demand.

Ayrshire Post was told by one person from South Ayrshire that they were asked to drive to a centre in Dalmellington.

A UK Government spokesperson said:“We are aware of some issues with distribution of test kits in a few areas of Scotland which led to some test subjects being redirected to other sites earlier this week. We have taken steps to ensure that sufficient test kits are available and distributed to anticipate expected demand locally. The issue was rectified by Wednesday.”