THE government's coronavirus test booking website has closed - hours after opening.

The website, where key workers and members of their families can refer themselves for a test for Covid-19, launched at 6am this morning.

But it now says it is closed to applications and invites users to 'check back later'.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "There has been significant demand for booking tests today.

"We apologise for any inconvenience. We are continuing to rapidly increase availability.

"More tests will be available tomorrow."