People in England were briefly unable to book PCR tests at walk-in and drive-in centres today.

It comes a day after it was revealed that people were unable to order lateral flow tests from the UK Government website.

The public are being advises to try again later if they cannot get a test

PCR tests available in England

There were no PCR test slots available to the general public at walk-in and drive-in test sites across England earlier today, according to the Government website.

The booking site said there are “none available” at every region in England while slots were still available at sites in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

PCR test kits which are posted to people’s homes, usually arriving the following day, are available, the website says.

The Government website has been updated and is now showing that slots are available for walk-in and drive-through test sites across all regions in England.

The website had briefly said there were “none available” for all regions in England on Tuesday morning.

There are still none listed as available in Hertfordshire, Suffolk, the Isle of Wight, Bristol, and Mendip, and “very few” in Stockton-on-Tees.

No lateral flow tests available from UK Government

Lateral flow tests are also currently unavailable to order on the UK Government website.

Previously, lateral flow tests have been available to order for free from the UK Government website, however on Monday morning, a message read that there were no more home LFD tests available.

When people log on to try and order lateral flow tests, the following message appears: "Sorry, there are no more home test kits available right now.

"Try again later. Or, you can go back and try to book a test site appointment instead."

Where can I get lateral flow tests?

Although lateral flow tests are not currently available to order, you can pick them up in person from various locations. These include:

  • Local pharmacies
  • Covid testing centres
  • Nursery or childcare provider
  • Schools, colleges and universities
  • Some workplaces