The hospital trust in charge of the John Radcliffe has urged people not to come to its A&E to get a coronavirus test.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), which also runs Banbury's Horton General, issued the warning as Oxfordshire residents have struggled to book tests amid growing national demand.

Sachin Mandalia, clinical lead for Emergency Department at OUH, said: "It’s really important that people understand that they must not come to Emergency Departments for a Covid-19 test.

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"Not only will you not be able to get one, but if you do have Covid-19 then you increase the risk of transmission to more vulnerable people."

He added: "If you do have symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate and book a test by either calling 119 or visit the NHS testing website. 

 

"You should only request a test if you have symptoms of COVID-19 – that means tests are available for people who really need them.

"Stay home, stay safe, and save an unnecessary journey to our Emergency Departments."