Plan ahead to ensure you have access to Lateral Flow Tests, the Isle of Wight's director of public health has advised, as a lack of both LFT and PCR tests were reported this week.

A rise in coronavirus cases means there has been more demand for testing kits.

On Wednesday morning, there were no PCR tests available in England, for a short time.

One Islander told the County Press he feared it would mean that people "will just go out and party."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) promised to make more Lateral Flow Tests available, for people without Covid-19 symptoms.

  • They can be normally be collected from pharmacies, are being handed out at some high street locations and ordered for delivery HERE.
  • Meanwhile, Islanders with symptoms can visit HERE, or call 119, either to order a PCR for delivery, or book an appointment at the Newclose testing ground.

The UKHSA says exceptional demand and reduced postal schedules over Christmas affected delivery of the tests.

On Wednesday, over 250 new cases of coronavirus were added to the Isle of Wight's tally. An update on patients who have died in hospital since Christmas Eve, after getting Covid-19, is due to be published later today.

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The UKHSA said: "We have already added winter surge capacity to our laboratory network and continue to expand processing capability within our existing laboratories to meet demand.

"Those who live or work in vulnerable settings, including in Adult Social Care, have access to dedicated testing order routes.

"Between December 15 and 20, we distributed an average of nearly 240k PCR tests and almost 500k LFD tests daily, to care settings across the UK."

The Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for adult social care and public health said supply problems were being quickly addressed.

Councillor Karl Love urged Islanders not to 'stockpile' them, to ensure pharmacists are not 'overwhelmed' when these items come into stock and that you only collect what you require.

He said: "The best way to protect yourself and your family loved ones is to reduce your social contact with other people, wherever possible. 

"Continue to wear masks, wash hands and keep your own personal space safe." 

Meanwhile, the Riverside Centre in Newport has walk-in appointments available today (Thursday) until 8pm and tomorrow (Friday) until 3pm for 1st, 2nd and booster jabs for eligible over-16 year olds.