Man describes coronavirus test experience at Doncaster Airport as 'carnage'

A man from Leeds has described his experience of visiting a Coronavirus test centre at Doncaster Airport as "carnage".

Mark Parker, a critical maintenance worker for a care home, who developed symptoms around two weeks ago, was unable to get a test in Leeds for more than a week so went to the nearest alternative location. He says what he thought would take around an hour turned into a six hour ordeal for himself, his wife and their five-year-old son.

When they arrived there was a queue of around 50-60 cars and an hour and a half wait to begin the process, while people are unable to open their windows and must stay in their cars to prevent potentially spreading the virus.

Mark says his slot was booked for 2.30pm and he got to the front of the queue to begin the test at 5.15pm while people who had booked their tests for later on that day were being turned away.

In response the Department of Health Social and Care which is in charge of the centre said there was an on-site emergency yesterday and it is "confident" no one waited more than two and a half hours for an appointment.