Move to lateral flow tests instead of PCR for holidaymakers returning to England

                 

Fully vaccinated people arriving in England from countries not on the red list can take a cheaper and quicker lateral flow test rather than the PCR version from October 24.

The change to the post-arrival day two test will come into effect for those returning from half-term breaks.

The guidance is currently for arrivals in England only but for practical purposes, Scotland normally aligns with the UK post-arrival testing regime.

Passengers must upload a photo of their test and booking reference supplied by the private provider to verify results as soon as possible, with free confirmatory NHS PCR tests for any positive cases, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.

Eligible travellers will be able to order lateral flow tests from private testing providers, with a list of approved private providers going live on GOV.UK on October 22.

Passengers are also able to book to have a test which they can take on their arrival into the UK at testing centres located in some airports.

Anyone who tests positive will need to self-isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test.

Source Daily Record