Coronavirus tests for the public will take place in Keswick on five days this months part of a Cumbria-wide programme.
People with concerns about COVID-19 can attend a mobile testing unit at Keswick’s former pencil factory site from Wednesday.
Tests will also be carried out the following day and then on Wednesday, 23rd September, Thursday, 24th, and Wednesday, 30th.
The first available appointments on all days are 9.30am, with the last at 3.30pm.
Almost 7,000 people in Cumbria were tested for coronavirus in the week to 4th September as demand increased with the return of schools and more people to work.
However, health chiefs admit some people have reported being unable to book a test at a local centre, with a minority being advised to travel long distances to be tested.
Cumbria’s public health officials are working with local and national partners to increase the number of public test centres and tests available each day but people are being reminded to get tested only if they have the specific COVID-19 symptoms — high temperature, new and persistent cough, loss of sense of taste or smell — to reduce demand and ensure tests are available for those who need them.
People are also being advised to try the booking website at different times of the day if they are unable to secure an appointment at the first attempt. Appointments cannot be booked via GP practices or hospitals.
Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, said: “While testing capacity is increasing, it hasn’t yet caught up with the big increase in demand caused by pupils going back to school and people heading back to the workplace.
“That’s why it’s really important that testing capacity isn’t taken up by people who don’t need to be tested.
“As we head into autumn, colds, sore throats and runny noses will all become more common but they are not a reason to get a COVID-19 test.
“People need to look out for one or more of the key symptoms — and only then get tested, or if advised to by a health professional.”