PCR test appointments were temporarily unavailable in large parts of Scotland on Monday.
High demand led to slots on offer at only eight out of Scotland’s 56 walk-in test centres when checked on Monday afternoon.
At the same time, of the eight drive-through test sites north of the border only two – Glenrothes and Inverness – had appointments available on the day.
By Monday afternoon, walk-in slots were on offer for the same day at only Wick, St Andrews, Inverness, Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, Aberdeen Strathdee, Oban and Galashiels.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon issues warning as Scotland records highest ever Covid figures
Other centres showed the message: “There are currently no slots available on this day. Try again this evening, when more test slots will be made available.”
The lack of appointments comes as Scotland recorded its highest number of coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic.
Provisional data released by the Scottish Government shows 8252 cases were recorded on Christmas Day, with 11,030 positive tests recorded on Boxing Day and 10,562 on Monday.
1/ Provisional figures for cases reported over the Christmas weekend show the highest daily totals so far in pandemic.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 27, 2021
25 December 2021: 8,252 cases
26 December 2021: 11,030 cases
27 December 2021: 10,562 cases https://t.co/0muPkRPhHu
For some hours there were no walk-in PCR tests available to book in England on Monday due to a “high demand”, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
However, later on in the afternoon bookings were available in every region, with the UKHSA saying the reduced availability was merely “temporary”.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “Appointments for PCR tests are available, but high demand can lead to temporary reduced availability in some areas. More appointments are made available for people to book every afternoon.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon to make major Covid announcement in Parliament this week
“Testing is playing an integral role in keeping people safe and managing the spread of Covid-19.
“We are very grateful to everyone who is following the Government’s guidance and getting tested to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.
“Everyone with symptoms or who is directed to get a PCR test should continue to come forward to get a test delivered to their home or at a test site.”
The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.
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