Day 2 and 8 testing

CKhalvashi

Spendless said:

Ben1989 said:

Spendless said:

Ben1989 said:

Spendless said:

@Ben1989 - Knew I'd seen it somewhere.

Scroll down and you see this from this Government website

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england

If you arrive in England without proof you tested negative for COVID-19 in the 72 hours before departure, you could be fined £500.

That's why I've told my teen no earlier than 72 hours. The tests have cost enough. Not risking spending more money.

I think that is an error. Here is what it says from the travelling to England dedicated page (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-testing-for-people-travelling-to-england)

Take a coronavirus test before you travel to England

You must have proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test to travel to England.

You must take a test even if:

• you’ve been fully vaccinated
• you’re traveling from a country or territory on the green list
• you’re a UK citizen

You must take the test in the 3 days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs.

For example, if you travel directly to England on Friday, you can take the test on or after Tuesday and will need to have the negative result available before boarding on Friday.

That's the problem though you *think* that is an error. You don't actually know it is. I agree that the statements are potentially at odds with each other but both are on Government websites and the bit I've put up is also  in bold, which (to me at least) would be strange for an error. Personally I don't think it's worth the risk to be wrong and come across a jobsworth who  fines each of your party £500. Stick to within 72 hours and there's no issue. 

I agree however it's not a case of a jobs worth it's a case of you strictly won't be allowed on the aircraft. I took my test at 9:30am three days before a flight at 19:30 and was allowed on the aircraft with no issues. I would have been denied if it was 72 hours. I understand what you're saying however and don't mean to get into an argument.

Who 'oversees' you getting onto the plane back to the UK with your clear covid rest? If it's someone in the other country they may not know or care that the British Government has put potentially contradictory advice up.

I suspect the person whose written it out doesn't know that 3 days and 72 hours aren't the same thing! 

That will be a handling agent. They are often not employed by the airline.

Any handling agent I've dealt with has known the difference between 3 days and 72 hours.

71peyman71

Anyway, I called kalikamed in Athens and spoke to a very nice lady. She suggested to take the test two days before the flight. So Wednesday before the Friday flight. Results will be ready in 3 hours (100Euros) or 18 hours (60Euros). No need to have the test 3 days or 72 hours before. As long as it's within 3 days prior to the flight back.

71peyman71

Some more confusion that I need help with please.

For the test in Greece before I fly back, should this be a PCR or a flow test? The government website says:

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

• a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
• an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
  

So it means both are ok. Naturally I'd prefer the lateral flow test as it will be cheaper and quicker. But I read elsewhere that only a PCR test is acceptable. 

Anyone entered the country with just a lateral flow test?

• 
  

Ben1989

It literally answers your question 

Where elsewhere did you read this info that is more legitimate than the government website? Haha.

Yes. Rapid antigen test (flow test) is fine.

CKhalvashi

71peyman71 said:

Some more confusion that I need help with please.

For the test in Greece before I fly back, should this be a PCR or a flow test? The government website says:

The test must meet performance standards of ≥97% specificity, ≥80% sensitivity at viral loads above 100,000 copies/ml.

This could include tests such as:

• a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests
• an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device
  

So it means both are ok. Naturally I'd prefer the lateral flow test as it will be cheaper and quicker. But I read elsewhere that only a PCR test is acceptable. 

Anyone entered the country with just a lateral flow test?

• 
  

Either is fine. A PCR is required for the day 2 and 8 tests.

71peyman71

Ben1989 said:

It literally answers your question 

Where elsewhere did you read this info that is more legitimate than the government website? Haha.

Yes. Rapid antigen test (flow test) is fine.

On Tripadviser.
There is so much on there, hard to know what is right.

CKhalvashi

71peyman71 said:

Ben1989 said:

It literally answers your question 

Where elsewhere did you read this info that is more legitimate than the government website? Haha.

Yes. Rapid antigen test (flow test) is fine.

On Tripadviser.
There is so much on there, hard to know what is right.

The official source is the government website at gov.uk for entry to UK, and the national government site for any other country (although the UK government does provide an overview for other countries based on its own understanding).

Information coming from a government is much better than hearsay, even if in some situations the evidence is against the official rules.

71peyman71

CKhalvashi said:

71peyman71 said:

Ben1989 said:

It literally answers your question 

Where elsewhere did you read this info that is more legitimate than the government website? Haha.

Yes. Rapid antigen test (flow test) is fine.

On Tripadviser.
There is so much on there, hard to know what is right.

The official source is the government website at gov.uk for entry to UK, and the national government site for any other country (although the UK government does provide an overview for other countries based on its own understanding).

Information coming from a government is much better than hearsay, even if in some situations the evidence is against the official rules.

I guess people go to these sites for advice from those with real practical experience. 
The government official guidelines certainly put people off travelling, but I have heard that in reality there is more leniency than it's all made out. 

Anyway, why would any one do the more expensive PCR when the flow test is much cheaper?  

71peyman71

I have purchased a Day 2 test and have received a number/code from the company that provides it. I was under the impression that that I'd have to enter this in the UK PLF before I arrive back. I have just tried to complete the form but there is nowhere on it that I am asked to provide this. 

So where and at what stage do I get asked for proof of having booked a day 2 test?

onashoestring

71peyman71 said:

I have purchased a Day 2 test and have received a number/code from the company that provides it. I was under the impression that that I'd have to enter this in the UK PLF before I arrive back. I have just tried to complete the form but there is nowhere on it that I am asked to provide this. 

So where and at what stage do I get asked for proof of having booked a day 2 test?

Section 2 has the question-
Are you required to book a COVID-19 test package for when you arrive in the UK?
When you select Required Yes - you get a box where you must enter Your test booking reference.