Breaking a bit late this evening, it seems that the demand by the UK Government for a Day 2 PCR test is being abolished, instead requiring a Day 2 Lateral Flow test.
Get used to more Lateral Flow Tests – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The change will go into effect from the 24th October – just in time for the Half-Term holidays
Grant Shapps announced the move on Twitter (again, governing by Tweet is the done thing for this government it seems), with the following
statement:
Mandatory PCR tests will be gone in time for October half-term! 👍🏻 for vaccinated adults and families seeking some winter sun abroad ❄️☀️
From 24 Oct take a cheaper lateral flow test on return, to make travelling easier and simpler for everyone 👨👩👦👦
— Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 14, 2021
Travellers will be required to upload a validation photo of the test to confirm that it was successful or not. Those with a positive result will be asked to complete a PCR test and self-isolate.
A list of providers is being drawn up (and hopefully better than the omnishambles that exist for the PCR testing at the moment). This should be live on the 22nd of October.
If you’re not sure – it might be an idea to stick with the test from the big providers. If you’ve paid for PCR Test packages already, these can still be used.
However, you cannot use the “Free” NHS Test and Trace kits that you can get in seven packs from Pharmacies and online – you must use a private test if you are travelling.
All travellers must complete their Passenger Locator Form before travel, including a test booking reference number supplied by a testing provider. Travellers will be able to upload their test booking reference to the Passenger Locator Form from 22 October for arrival in the UK from 24 October.
Eligible travellers vaccinated in over 100 countries and territories including Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey, will be treated the same as returning fully vaccinated UK residents.
This means they will be eligible for the quarantine exemption and reduced testing measures, including taking just a lateral flow test on arrival. This is as long as they have not visited a red list country or territory in the 10 days before arriving in England. Eligible under 18s from these countries will also be treated as if fully vaccinated.
What if you’re not vaccinated, partially vaccinated or vaccinated by an unrecognised authority or vaccine?
Nothing changes.
Passengers who are not fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine returning from a non-red destination must still take a pre-departure test, a PCR test on day 2 and day 8 test and complete 10 days of self-isolation (with the option of Test to Release on day 5).
Arrivals from Red List countries will still be required to quarantine in a managed quarantine facility.
In Quotes
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said:
We want to make going abroad easier and cheaper, whether you’re travelling for work or visiting friends and family.
Lateral flow tests will be available later this month for those returning from half term holidays.
This change to testing is only possible thanks to the incredible progress of our vaccination programme, which means we can safely open up travel as we learn to live with the virus.
Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport said:
Today’s rule changes will make testing on arrival simpler and cheaper for people across the country who are looking forward to well-earned breaks for this October half term.
Taking away expensive mandatory PCR testing will boost the travel industry and is a major step forward in normalising international travel and encouraging people to book holidays with confidence.
Reducing costs… a bit
PCR Tests vary in price, but most of the ones that don’t tend to scam the top of a government list tend to charge between £60 and £80 per test, whilst Lateral Flow Tests come in around £25-£35.
For couples and individual travellers, this is but a minor cost. For families – it’s still a significant chunk of change, that didn’t exist in the years before.
As usual – shop around and check your provider before you book.
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