From Monday (22 November), anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 on a lateral flow can get a PCR without an appointment.

The East Arm testing facility that was previously used for incoming travellers will act as a drop-in centre for PCR testing for at least two weeks.

Anyone aged 12 or over can attend but they must be in a vehicle.

Sessions will be held between 9am and 10.45am Monday-Friday. Islanders must bring their positive lateral flow test with them and, ideally, a smart phone.

The PCR tests will be self-administered under supervision.

The States' director of the coronavirus response Richard Evans says

“We know waiting times have increased recently as the number of cases has risen. We have a lot of other coughs and colds circulating too and we want to ensure people are tested quickly.

All of that has meant the time we spend on hold when we call the helpline, and the time it takes for a test to be scheduled in, is getting longer. Our call-handlers and schedulers are working incredibly hard to keep the turnaround as fast as possible.

But by introducing this new option, even though it’s only suitable for some patients, it will help relieve some of that pressure and speed things up all round.”

Officials say the drop-in sessions could be extended if there is high demand.