FEELING unwell with headaches, flu-type symptoms, stomach pains and a minor cough to name but a few symptoms, I made appointment with my doctor’s surgery only to get a return call from the doctor asking me to call 111 and get a Covid-19 test before attending the surgery.

I made call to 111 to be told my cough was not consistent so I did not meet their criteria for a test but private tests were available elsewhere.

I informed the doctor of the outcome and a visit to the surgery’s isolation room was arranged.

If a doctor’s request is not enough to get a Covid test, what chance has the general public of getting one? Ahen they wonder why the virus is spreading so fast.

John Danby, Meadowfield, Durham.