PEOPLE were left waiting over an hour to receive a PCR test.

Yesterday, long queues were seen in the Westgate Shopping Centre as people waited to receive a pre-departure or post-arrival PCR test at the Covid testing site ExpressTest.

The queues come as the Government changed its travel advice for those entering the UK – last week it was announced that everyone arriving in the UK must take a day two PCR test, isolating until they get the result.

One person, who asked to remain anonymous arrived ten minutes early for his 12.30pm appointment – when he arrived, he was met with an hour and a half queue.

Dr Suzie Sheehy, who was stuck at the back of the long line said: “I only arrived ten minutes ago, but I spoke to someone at the front of the queue who said they had been there for an hour and 15 minutes.

“I booked an appointment for 2pm, but I thought I would come down earlier, so I could ensure I got the result earlier.

“But now if it’s taking an hour and a half, I will just get there in time for my actual appointment.

“I am going to Australia on Wednesday, so it’s big trouble, I cannot miss it.”

She added that she was ‘nervous’ about the turnaround time because of the increase in the number of PCR tests that they are having to do.

Another, who was wanting a PCR test after returning from abroad waited over an hour and a half to get their test.

He said: “The news is that it is supposed to be open from 10 am today, but for some reason, the booking system was allowing people to book from 8am this morning – so they are working through a backlog.”

Others were told that the test centre had reduced the number of staff working at the site and that the pre-Christmas rush was causing more delays than usual.

A spokesperson for Cignpost ExpressTest said: “The recent changes made by the Government on testing requirements for passengers due to the emergence of the Omicron variant have led to a huge rush in bookings for PCR tests. We are sorry that this has led to delays for customers at the ExpressTest Westgate centre site in Oxford.

“Our staff on site and in our customer services team are working hard to ensure that we can test people as quickly and safely as possible.”

“We urge any customers who are experiencing issues to contact our dedicated customer services team. 

“We would also recommend that anyone without an appointment not turn up to the site without a confirmation that they have a booking. Our opening hours at Westgate centre in Oxford are now 8am – 8pm.”