Families will feel relieved when the government finally agrees to eliminate the need for expensive PCR tests for travellers returning from half-term holidays in England.
The government has confirmed that PCRs will no longer be used for fully-jabbed passengers arriving from non-red travel lists.
You can book them via a list private providers on GOV.UK starting October 22.
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To verify their result, passengers will need to take a photograph of their lateral flow test results and the booking reference provided by the private provider.
You can also book a test for your travel companions at one of the testing centers located at some airports in the UK.
The arrival test must take place as soon as possible, on or before the second day following a passenger's arrival in the UK.
Anybody who tests positive for a PCR will have to perform a confirmation PCR test.
The success of the vaccine programme in the UK and worldwide, which has protected millions and reduced risks of international travel, led to the government making the announcement.
Tim Alderslade is the chief executive of Airlines UK. He said that this was great news. It will provide relief for families who are looking to escape the cold weather in the autumn.
It is possible to reassure vaccinated passengers that they don't need to travel to the UK for a costly PCR test. This will reduce the cost of travel.
This adds to the positive news of last week's red list reduction and announcement of mutual recognition of vaccines. Taken together, this is a significant step forward that will help our sector recover.
The regulations will be extended and a protocol released to allow certain tests that are in process of validation to remain on market in the short-term.
According to a government statement, this is done to alleviate any shortage in supply and work on ensuring that only highly performing tests remain on the UK's market.
The government will continue publishing a list private testing providers that meet minimum standards, and PCR options.
Before traveling, all travellers must complete the Passenger Locator form. This includes a test booking reference number provided by a testing provider. For arrival in the UK, travellers will be able upload their test booking reference to Passenger Locator Form starting 22 October.
All eligible travellers who have been vaccinated in more than 100 countries or territories, including Brazil, India, Pakistan and South Africa, will be treated as if they were fully vaccinated UK citizens.
They will therefore be eligible to receive the quarantine exemption, reduced testing measures and a lateral flow test upon arrival.
They can only do this if they have not visited any red list country or territory within the last 10 days. These countries' under-18s will be treated the same as those who are fully vaccinated.
The government stated that it will continue to work with devolved administrations in order to maintain robust border protections for the UK.
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, stated that today's rule changes will make arrival testing easier and more affordable for all citizens. This October half-term is a time when people are eager to take well-earned vacations.
The removal of expensive mandatory PCR testing is a significant step in normalising international travel. It will encourage people to book holiday with confidence.
Sajid Javid (health and social care secretary) said the same. He stated: We want to make it easier and more affordable to travel abroad, regardless of whether you're travelling for work or just visiting family.
For those who return from half-term holidays, lateral flow tests will be available in the latter part of this month.
This is possible only because of the remarkable progress made in our vaccination program, which allows us to travel safely and learn how to live with the virus.
Passengers returning from non-red destinations who have not been fully vaccinated must take a predeparture test and a PCR test on days two and eight. They also need to complete 10 days quarantine. There is the possibility to release the vaccine on day five.
Dr Jenny Harries is the chief executive of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She stated that testing, in addition to vaccines, is still one of our first lines for defense against Covid-19.
It is important to get a test as soon as possible upon arrival. If necessary, isolation can be used to help prevent the spread of the virus.
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