LESS than three per cent of coronavirus tests conducted in Berkshire are coming back positive, according to the latest figures.

NHS Test and Trace is struggling to meet rising demand for tests in England and prioritising areas of concern, which have high numbers of confirmed cases.

But Berkshire has a relatively low number of cases.

Just over 97 per cent tests conducted on people in the county between September 2 and September 9 came back negative.

People across Berkshire are now being urged to only request a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms.

READ MORE: West Berkshire mother who couldn't get daughter tested feels like 'failure'

Meradin Peachey, deputy director of Public Health Berkshire West, said: “Across the country we are seeing a high demand for Covid-19 testing.

“Some of these will be people seeking tests as a precautionary measure or to reassure themselves that they don’t have Covid-19.

“We’re asking residents only to book a test if they have been asked to do, or they are displaying symptoms of Covid-19.

“Across Berkshire we’re continually updating our local outbreak plans and ensure we are ready to react should we see a significant increase in cases locally.

“However, this has not been the case so far and local residents can be confident in the plans we have in place to deal prevent and prepare for any resurgence of Covid-19.”

Anyone with symptoms with the virus should isolate and try to book a test by phoning 119 or visiting the NHS website.

READ MORE: Child tests positive for Covid-19 at Reading school

Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the country “must act” to avoid another nationwide lockdown, following a spike in cases.

The government has also banned gatherings of more than six people, to try and curb the spread of the virus.

During the pandemic, 371,125 people have tested positive for the virus in the UK and 41,637 have died, according to Public Health England figures.

In West Berkshire, 553 people have tested positive and 132 have died.

Reading has recorded 912 confirmed cases and lost 166 people to the virus, while Bracknell has recorded 457 cases and 70 deaths.