"Massive" problems at the Island's coronavirus test centre have been caused by a "national issue", and residents should "keep trying" to book a slot, according to the Isle of Wight's director of public health.
Simon Bryant could not confirm exactly when booking systems here would be back up and running to full capacity, saying the problem is "being worked on".
An influx of Islanders have told Isle of Wight Radio that they have unable to secure a slot at the Newclose Cricket Ground, Newport site.
Many have been advised to travel to centres on the mainland, including as far as Bristol.
As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, some people in London have even been asked to come to the Isle of Wight.
Mr Bryant says the issue lies with laboratories themselves, not the local test centres.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, he urged only people with COVID-19 symptoms to book a test. He said:
"I want to assure people we're doing all we can to increase the lab capacity. This is about the national lab capacity, rather than the local testing centre. What I want to say to people is if you have symptoms... you need to keep trying to book a test.
"If you haven't got those symptoms, please don't book a test because we want people with symptoms to book a test on the Island."
The lack of available tests have led to a number of frustrated Islanders turning up to the test centre without a booking.
Mr Bryant says this is not advisable and recommended Islanders "keep trying" to book via the phone or online.
Asked how long people could realistically "keep trying" for given the risks associated with the virus, he said:
"If someone is unwell and they need medical treatment they should seek medical treatment in the usual way.
"If someone is unwell and at home they should keep trying until they get a test and keep trying through the website... perhaps trying early in the morning, that might be more beneficial.
Simon Bryant says it could take "weeks or months" to solve the problem with laboratory capacity.
In the meantime, anyone with symptoms is urged to self-isolate for 14 days.
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