Chesterfield mum desperate for Covid-19 test for her young daughter

A Chesterfield mum says she has been trying to get a coronavirus test for her daughter for three days.
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The mum – who does not want to be named – became concerned for her 11-year-old daughter on Saturday when she lost her sense of smell and taste, which is one of the main symptoms of Covid-19.

Since then, the concerned parent has been trying to book her daughter in for a test – all to no avail so far.

Chesterfield's coronavirus testing site outside the Technique Stadium. Picture by Brian Eyre.Chesterfield's coronavirus testing site outside the Technique Stadium. Picture by Brian Eyre.
Chesterfield's coronavirus testing site outside the Technique Stadium. Picture by Brian Eyre.
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Many people across England have reported that they are struggling to access coronavirus tests – but the Government insists ‘capacity is the highest it has ever been’.

The mum told the Derbyshire Times: “The Government is letting hundreds of people down.

“They’re not able to meet demand for testing locally.

“What are we supposed to do if we can’t be tested?

“It’s so frustrating and deeply concerning.

“The Government has clearly lost control of the situation as we undoubtedly head towards a second wave.”

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said he understood it would be ‘naturally worrying’ for people with symptoms who could not secure a test in a ‘timely way’.

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He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the testing system was under ‘pressure’ because of the spike in the infection rate of the virus.

Meanwhile, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson told the Derbyshire Times: “NHS Test and Trace is working – our capacity is the highest it has ever been and our laboratories are processing more than a million tests a week.

“We are seeing a significant demand for tests but if you have symptoms we urge you to get tested.

“New booking slots and homes testing kits are made available daily and you can help protect yourself if you wash your hands, cover your face and make space.

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“We are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, as well as prioritising at-risk groups and we recently announced new laboratory facilities and new technology to process results even faster.”

People struggling to get a test are being urged to keep trying on the Government’s website.

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