TWO North Swindon councillors are urging people to take Covid-19 prevention seriously, particularly social distancing and not gathering in groups of more than six people.

Conservatives Vinay Manro, who represents Priory Vale, and Steve Heyes, who sits for St Andrews, are concerned at what they see as an increasingly casual attitude to safety measures.

Coun Manro added: “It’s nothing to do with anyone desperately trying to do things wrong, but we think it’s easy at the moment to become complacent. Don’t think we are saints – it applies to us too.

“With the increase in Covid-19 testing capacity, we have seen a rise in young people coming forward to be tested and this has led to an increase in positive cases. We would urge everyone to continue to social distance, wear masks where the law says they should, and wash their hands as often as possible.

“Coronavirus has not gone away and we need to make sure we all work together to stop it spreading."

He added: “Residents have made us aware of problems booking tests in Swindon. There is a high demand for tests and the laboratories continue to turn test results around as quickly as possible. The Wroughton Park and Ride testing site has the capacity, which is why it doesn’t get overcrowded. It’s the laboratory processing that is the critical pinch-point.

“If anyone is unable to book or is offered a test outside of Swindon, they can try again later in the day to see if new slots have been released at the Swindon test centre.

"This is a national issue, not just local, but rest assured we are pushing all involved to resolve these issues.”

The councillors reiterated the new rules that it will be illegal to meet more than six people indoors or outside unless all six are in the same household or support bubble.

Coun Manro said: “It’s up to all of us to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus.”