French rail operator SNCF is to offer COVID-19 testing – free of charge- outside some of its trains stations in France, as part of mobile screening.
SNCF/Loxamed Mobile COVID testing outside Gare du Lyon – Image, SNCF
The mobile screening units can handle 200 tests a day, and the test will be offered free of charge. The testing is being offered to both visitors and locals, on the forecourts of selected stations.
Tests will be carried out by Loxamed. They will be available from the 5th November, with testing being made available for up to six months.
The test centres will be deployed outside the following stations:
- from 5 November on the forecourts of the Gare de l’Est and the Lyon train station in Paris
- from 12 November on the forecourts of Marseille Saint-Charles and Bordeaux Saint-Jean stations
- from 18 November on the forecourt of Rennes train station
The testing centres are open Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will need to register beforehand at the Loxamed website https://loxamed.fr/rendez-vous.
SNCF adds that the morning appointments are dedicated to symptomatic cases and contact cases, and the slots are open to all in the afternoon. The test result is available within 24 hours to 72 hours.
If the result is negative, you will receive a text message inviting you to read about it on the TeleDok telemedicine platform. In case of a positive result, a TeleDok doctor will tell you by phone and provide you with appropriate medical support.
The possibility of testing… everywhere
I think at this point of the game, we all know the value of testing and the accessibility of testing. This model should offer a useful test method – both for those utilising SNCF services and the local populace.
Making it free – is the icing on the cake for those who are afraid of extra cost before travel.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader.