Sheffield residents could experience a delay in booking Covid-19 tests

Testing remains a vital part in the fight against the spread of Covid-19 in the city and to help reduce the rate of people contracting the virus. However, the public may experience a delay in being able to book a test using the national system.

Sheffield City Council are urging locals to be persistent in trying to book tests even If it is not possible to get one on the day, encouraging them to try again later or try the next day.

The council would also like to make it clear that people should only book a test if they have clear symptoms of Covid-19. If you have coronavirus symptoms, you need to get a test done within the first 5 days of having symptoms.

If you are showing any of the following symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, you need to get tested as soon as you can: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Director of Public Health at Sheffield City Council, Greg Fell, said: “If you are unwell and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms you need to get a test. If the booking system is not allowing you to book at the time you call, please try again later.

"It is important that you remain in your home and isolate to protect other people, including those who live with you. The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to stay at home.

"If you cannot book a test, do not attend your doctor’s surgery. Wait for a test booking slot to come available and stay at home. I cannot stress this clearly enough.

“It's really important that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms can get a test. This will help us stop the spread of the virus.”

The Council would also like to stress that if you don’t have Covid-19 symptoms and you are trying to book a test, do not book a test – you could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it.

Greg Fell, added: “UK-wide, it is clear we are seeing a steady rise in coronavirus cases. The Department of Health and Social Care has designated Sheffield as an ‘area of concern’.

"This means we are seeing a rise in cases in our city and that we need to continue to be careful to avoid a further spike in cases in our communities.

"By careful we mean, continuing to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser, keep your distance and wear a face covering if you are travelling on public transport or entering an enclosed space such as shops, including supermarkets.

“Most importantly, if you are feeling poorly or think you have symptoms, no matter how mild, you must stay at home and contact NHS test and trace to arrange a test.

“Our message is simple, COVID-19 has not gone away and we need our communities’ support in stopping the spread and to help protect our loved ones.”

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