Cardiff man is latest person from outwith the Highlands to be offered a Covid-19 coronavirus test in Inverness
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A man from Cardiff who needed a coronavirus test was offered a slot in Inverness.
Alan Jones (70) from Cardiff was told to get a Covid test by his doctor after he developed a cough.
When he attempted to book a slot he was eventually offered a test in Inverness – a 1100-mile round trip.
"The first attempt they said our postcode didn’t exist," Mr Jones said.
"The second I was offered Manchester.
"I phoned 119, they said there was a glitch and to try again in an hour.
"I did so, and was offered Inverness."
He added: "We want to support mass testing but it has to work for people. They've been put in front of a computer screen and they can't vary from it and it is nonsense.
In the end Mr Jones attended a Cardiff drive through centre without an appointment and was given a test.
Mr Jones's case is the just the latest in a series of incidents that have seen people living miles outwith the Highlands being referred to Inverness when trying to book a coronavirus test online.
Also this week there have been reports of people from Glasgow, London and Plymouth being advised to head for the Highland capital.
There have been reports of technical issues with the Covid-19 test booking system, though today it has been reported that a system of prioritising coronavirus testing in high-risk areas has led to shortages in other places, leading to some people with symptoms being asked to drive more than 100 miles for a swab.
The government says areas with fewer Covid-19 cases have had their testing capacity reduced to cope with outbreaks elsewhere.
But public health experts warn this could miss the start of new spikes.
Related articles: Plymouth teenager given coronavirus test appointment in Inverness
Londoner directed to Inverness for Covid-19 coronavirus test
