Residents are being urged to only get a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms of the virus.
There has been a huge increase in the number of people seeking a test for coronavirus, partly due to the return of schools and the testing of international travellers. This has put a strain on the laboratories which process the tests.
On top of this, the number of people who do not have symptoms, being tested has also increased; meaning that some people who are symptomatic cannot access a test when they need it.
The delivery of testing sites across Cheshire and Merseyside has been highly successful, however, the sheer number of people now being tested, who often do not have symptoms, has led to laboratories being temporarily overwhelmed across the country.
This situation has seen booking restrictions placed on some of the testing sites in the area while laboratories cope with such high demand.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is in the process of delivering a huge increase in laboratory capacity. But while this work continues people are asked to only seek a test if they have symptoms and only to attend a testing site if they have an appointment.
Key workers, frontline health and care staff and those in an outbreak area, will continue to be tested whether they have symptoms or not. Areas with outbreaks will also not see booking restrictions placed on mobile testing units to enable local management of the situation.
If you have Covid-19 symptoms; a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you can book an appointment at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.