Nothing available - this was what a resident of Norton Radstock was being informed today (September 11) as she struggled to get a coronavirus test.

She had been trying to get a test from 7am and two and a half hours later was still getting a message that none were available in Paulton - or anywhere else. Nor were there any postal tests.

She told Nub News: "I have been trying since 7 am today to get a test for my eight year old son and all the government site is saying is there is no test sites - at all. The site is not even trying to send me miles away and there are no home testing kits available."

That was in spite of news today that testing at Paulton Football Club has once again been extended.

She also tried calling and was put on hold for twenty minutes and finally gave up before discovering on line that all tests have gone today and Saturday.

The site, which is the closest for those who need a test was due to close yesterday (September 10).

Meantime the head of public health locally has told Nub News that people just need to keep trying:

Dr Bruce Laurence, director of B&NES Public Health, said: "The Department for Health and Social Care has reported an increase in demand for testing and says the service is currently very busy and unable to keep up with demand. It is asking anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient, to please wait a few hours and then try again. People with symptoms absolutely must still come forward to get a test as this will help stop the spread of the virus.

"We are now seeing a considerable rise in cases nationally, and even though B&NES is still relatively low, the risk here is very real. Therefore if someone who has one or more of the clearly identified symptoms of Covid is unable to get a test, they should self-isolate, with their households, until such time as they can get a test and result, and then follow guidance as to the timing of further self-isolation.

"In addition, as the DHSC manage this period of high demand, it is especially important that if people don't have symptoms, and have not specifically been advised to take a test, they should not be coming forward because they could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it."

A second drive-in Covid-19 mobile testing unit has opened today (Friday September 11) at Odd Down Park and Ride.

It is in addition to the temporary Covid-19 mobile testing unit at Paulton Football Club which will be available until September 21.

Bath & North East Somerset Council's public health team has arranged the additional unit to give more people better access to local testing.

The Department of Health and Social Care has reported an increase in demand for testing and says the service is currently very busy. It is asking anyone who tries to book a test and is unable to do so, or who is offered a location or time which is not convenient to please wait a few hours and then try again.

Councillor Rob Appleyard, cabinet member for Adult Services, said; "I am extremely pleased that our public health team has not only secured the extension of the Paulton mobile testing unit but has now secured a second testing unit which will be at Odd Down Park and Ride.

"This will help many residents to avoid lengthy journeys to get tested. It is important to remember however, you must only get tested if you are symptomatic and if you have symptoms you still need to self-isolate while you wait to get tested."

Both MTUs are part of the COVID-19 National Testing Programme and anyone who thinks they may have coronavirus symptoms can book a test by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested. People without internet access can dial 119.

You can ask for a test:

- for yourself, if you have coronavirus symptoms now (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)

- for someone you live with, if they have coronavirus symptoms

You can ask for a test for a child who lives with you if they have coronavirus symptoms, whatever their age.

Residents attending both units for test should arrive by car and not use public transport. The postcode for Paulton Football Club is BS39 7RF and for Odd Down is BA2 8PA

Tests at the mobile testing units are subject to availability and if all appointments are booked, an alternative testing site will be offered.

For tests to be effective you must be symptomatic. Symptoms of the virus are a new continuous cough, a high temperature and a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell. More information can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/check-if-you-have-coronavirus-symptoms/

More guidance can be found HERE: the government site

The Compassionate Community Hub offers support and advice for vulnerable people who are self-isolating. Click HERE for more details the 3sg siteor call 0300 247 0050.