WORCESTERSHIRE residents have been reminded they should only try to book a coronavirus test if they have show symptoms.

Health bosses in the county say people booking tests despite not needing one is putting pressure on the system, meaning people who do need tests cannot get one.

There are very specific reasons to have a test and these are; a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.

Because of this, Worcestershire County Council has reminded residents that, unless you have been medically advised or advised by the local authority to get a test, or have one of more of the symptoms of Covid, you should not book a test.

READ MORE: Families told not to visit relatives in Malvern or Wychavon care homes

The director for public health in Worcestershire, Dr. Kathryn Cobain, said: "Testing is available to anyone who has a symptom of Covid-19. It is not a “ just in case” facility.

"The tests will identify if a person has Covid at the time of testing, and should only be given to people who are showing symptoms of the virus.

"If you are struggling to book a test, please self-isolate, don’t mix with others and keep trying to book a test.

"Availability in the county is updated regularly, so please don’t give up.

"And don’t book a test unless you have a symptom, please keep tests available for those who really need them."

Under government guidelines, if someone in your household starts to have symptoms, then that person must get tested with the rest of the household self-isolating with them while they wait for the results.

READ MORE: Coronavirus - Significant increase in new cases across Worcestershire

If you or members of your household do not have symptoms, you should not get a test.

A County Council spokesman said: "The vast majority of people who are tested in person get their results the very next day.

"We are aware that some test results are taking longer, due to the increase in people being tested.

"If you are self-isolating or in quarantine, then a negative test result does not mean you can end isolation early.

"The virus can take time to develop and so a test early on does not prove that you won’t go on to develop the virus. That means you could still be at risk of spreading the disease to other people.

"If you have symptoms and need to book a test, you can do this online or by ringing 119.

READ MORE: Police will fine coronavirus rule-breakers with "Rule of Six" introduced

"We have been seeing more people trying to ring 111 about testing but we need to make sure that 111 is protected for people who are ringing about other medical and health issues."

Schools have been issued with guidance on testing and the advice for parents and teachers. Schools should not advise pupils or teachers to take a test unless they exhibit one or more of the listed symptoms.

If there is a confirmed case then schools should not advise entire classes or year groups to get tested.

Only those with symptoms or those advised by their clinician or Local Authority should get a test.

Schools must not require students to provide evidence of a negative test before letting them back to school.