I have been very concerned to hear stories from quite a few constituents this week about not being able to get a Covid-19 test. This is a very dangerous state of affairs, with children back in school, students returning to university, and workers being encouraged to return to their workplaces. The rate of transmission is now around 1.2, and cases are rising rapidly. The only way we can get this virus back under control will be rapid testing, tracing and isolating.

This is not an unforeseen event. The return to school, university and work was bound to cause a rise in demand for testing.

The problem cannot be laid at the feet of holidaymakers misusing the system; there are far fewer people traveling in mid-September than in the summer holidays, even without the travel restrictions in place.

The government needs to address this gap immediately. With winter around the corner this must be sorted out right now.

In the meantime, please do not book a Covid-19 test unless you are experiencing one or more of the main symptoms of Covid-19 - a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss of your sense of taste or smell.

If you need a certificate for travel, please book an antigen test privately. (The NHS test will not provide you with the certificate you need anyway.)

If you have been asked to book a test before going into hospital, please ask your doctor to arrange this. If you would like a test for any other reason, please book a test privately or wait until government guidance allows you to do so.

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