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A UK coronavirus testing centre appeared empty today as swabs are reportedly being sent to Germany for quicker results.

Chessington World of Adventures opened as a drive-thru testing centre for NHS staff last Friday.

But today, it was reported just 75 people were tested at the south west London site, with images showing empty testing bays and lanes in the car park of the adventure park.

Officials were seen standing in face masks and gloves, apparently waiting for NHS workers to arrive.

It comes after reports an IKEA car park just 13 miles away saw queues stretching a quarter of a mile for tests.

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(Image: REUTERS)

Public Health England facilities are taking up to four days to test samples - while German labs flying in to process swabs are said to offer results in two days.

Northampton General Hospital sent samples from 400 staff to the German labs of Eurofins Biomnis on Monday, say the Sun.

On Wednesday, UK testing stood at 10,657 for the day - while Germany is averaging 70,000 tests a day, reports the Sun.

So far, just 5,000 NHS staff out of half a million frontline workers have been tested.

Some NHS staff who had presented at the Chessington centre and the Wembley IKEA reported they were being turned away.

(Image: PA) (Image: Getty)

One, Louise Knight, wrote: “Off I drive to be tested. Only to be turned away as I had no appointment.”

Another at Wembley said: ­“Apparently I need a referral from my NHS trust. No contact details.

“In a space of five minutes eight staff were turned back.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman today accepted "we need to make progress very quickly".

It came after the UK death toll climbed to 2,921 yesterday – up 569 on the previous day.

Speaking at the daily Downing Street briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The antibody tests are ideally done 28 days after an infection.

“I understand why NHS staff want tests, so they can get back to the front line.

(Image: 10 Downing Street/AFP via Getty)

“But I took the decision that the first priority has to be the patients for whom the results of a test could be the difference in treatment that is the difference between life and death.”

Tonight, millions took part in a national 'Clap for Our Carers' - honouring NHS staff and social care workers on the frontline of the coronavirus fight.

In the second national celebration of its kind, the UK cheered the half a million NHS frontline workers - some who have sacrificed living with their families to help battle the spread of coronavirus.

Last night's applause also honoured the teachers, cleaners, supermarket workers and delivery drivers who are helping to keep the country running.

Dozens of famous faces also added their thanks in a video released by the NHS on social media.They included Elton John, David Beckham, Anthony Joshua, Stormzy, Ricky Jervais, Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue, Graham Norton and Gordon Ramsey.

ITV also showed its thanks by pausing programmes at 8pm. Carolyn McCall, Chief Executive at ITV, said: “ITV is joining the rest of the country in thanking everyone in the NHS and carers who are doing such a vital and fantastic role."

NHS Charities Together Chief Executive Ellie Orton said: “Joining the wonderful wave of support for the NHS to say a massive thank you together with Clap for our Carers is already making such a difference and today, and because of the brilliant British people, we have already raised nearly £17million for our Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.