Appeal as people with coronavirus symptoms keep going to Wigan's A&E for a test

Yesterday, Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said a "high volume" of people were turning up to ask for a test.

Patients were asked not to go there, but instead to call 119 or visit the Government's website to request a test.

But they reported the same problem on Thursday, with a spokesman saying: "We are receiving a high volume of patients coming to A&E requesting a Covid-19 test.

"Please only attend our A&E department if you have a serious or life-threatening condition."

The trust said tests were not available at its A&E unit and that people should only be seeking tests if they have symptoms of coronavirus.

Several others hospitals in the North West have experienced the same issue, as the rising demand for tests nationwide has led to difficulties in booking appointments at testing facilities.