Government brings back PCR tests and isolation requirements for travellers returning to the UK

MSE_Helen_S

The Government has tonight announced new measures to tackle the new Omicron coronavirus variant. This will include new PCR testing andisolation requirements for travellers returning to the UK, quarantine for contacts of those who test positive for the Omicron variant, and a strengthening of mask-wearing guidance.

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Government brings back PCR tests and isolation requirements for travellers returning to the UK

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[Deleted User]

It means that if you are leaving to go on holiday on Tuesday and returning in a week's time, the lateral flow tests you have already spent money on are no longer valid. Once again this looks like a money making spin.

Thrugelmir

bexoxo60 said:

Once again this looks like a money making spin.

Only to those who are struggling to grasp the seriousness of the situation. 

MidlandsGlory

Is this the new way for the rest of our lives? Have not been on holiday for 3 years now, I was about to book one to Greek Island for next summer, but why bother? this cycle is never going to end.. how can it? Viruses will mutate forever. The chance of actually getting to a Greece must be slim, it will either be in lockdown or we will or one the family won't be able to get our 10th jab or test sorted. Sorry to sound so miserable. I have worked at the front end of all this the last couple of years flat out without a break, is it too much to ask for 10 days in the sun and tavernas.

Someone give me some hope please! 

zagfles

MidlandsGlory said:

Is this the new way for the rest of our lives? Have not been on holiday for 3 years now, I was about to book one to Greek Island for next summer, but why bother? this cycle is never going to end.. how can it? Viruses will mutate forever. The chance of actually getting to a Greece must be slim, it will either be in lockdown or we will or one the family won't be able to get our 10th jab or test sorted. Sorry to sound so miserable. I have worked at the front end of all this the last couple of years flat out without a break, is it too much to ask for 10 days in the sun and tavernas.

Someone give me some hope please! 

We went to Greece last autumn, just got back from Italy. Both incredibly good value holidays. But with some inevitable hassle (tests, PLFs etc).

Book as late as possible and assess the situation close to the time. We booked 5-10 days before going. Be as flexible as possible, obviously some people need to book their leave well in advance but if you can at least be flexible on destination and can book leave at different times of the year you'll have a good chance of getting away somewhere.

Hope that's given you some hope

MidlandsGlory

zagfles said:

MidlandsGlory said:

Is this the new way for the rest of our lives? Have not been on holiday for 3 years now, I was about to book one to Greek Island for next summer, but why bother? this cycle is never going to end.. how can it? Viruses will mutate forever. The chance of actually getting to a Greece must be slim, it will either be in lockdown or we will or one the family won't be able to get our 10th jab or test sorted. Sorry to sound so miserable. I have worked at the front end of all this the last couple of years flat out without a break, is it too much to ask for 10 days in the sun and tavernas.

Someone give me some hope please! 

We went to Greece last autumn, just got back from Italy. Both incredibly good value holidays. But with some inevitable hassle (tests, PLFs etc).

Book as late as possible and assess the situation close to the time. We booked 5-10 days before going. Be as flexible as possible, obviously some people need to book their leave well in advance but if you can at least be flexible on destination and can book leave at different times of the year you'll have a good chance of getting away somewhere.

Hope that's given you some hope

Thanks, sadly as we provide essential support to the NHS leave has to be planned long in advance to maintain cover. As you say some tempting deals around.

I think my biggest concern is this having to do a PCR 48 hours in advance of landing at some destinations, how on earth do you time that with sending them off in the post to be sure the result comes back in time as it could take a couple of days turnaround?
what if 1 of the 4 tests sent of goes astray so we get know result.. can't leave a 15 year old at the airport! Stress!!!!

zagfles

MidlandsGlory said:

zagfles said:

MidlandsGlory said:

Is this the new way for the rest of our lives? Have not been on holiday for 3 years now, I was about to book one to Greek Island for next summer, but why bother? this cycle is never going to end.. how can it? Viruses will mutate forever. The chance of actually getting to a Greece must be slim, it will either be in lockdown or we will or one the family won't be able to get our 10th jab or test sorted. Sorry to sound so miserable. I have worked at the front end of all this the last couple of years flat out without a break, is it too much to ask for 10 days in the sun and tavernas.

Someone give me some hope please! 

We went to Greece last autumn, just got back from Italy. Both incredibly good value holidays. But with some inevitable hassle (tests, PLFs etc).

Book as late as possible and assess the situation close to the time. We booked 5-10 days before going. Be as flexible as possible, obviously some people need to book their leave well in advance but if you can at least be flexible on destination and can book leave at different times of the year you'll have a good chance of getting away somewhere.

Hope that's given you some hope

Thanks, sadly as we provide essential support to the NHS leave has to be planned long in advance to maintain cover. As you say some tempting deals around.

I think my biggest concern is this having to do a PCR 48 hours in advance of landing at some destinations, how on earth do you time that with sending them off in the post to be sure the result comes back in time as it could take a couple of days turnaround?
what if 1 of the 4 tests sent of goes astray so we get know result.. can't leave a 15 year old at the airport! Stress!!!!

There are onsite testing locations, I've used Expresstest who have locations all over the country, so you don't have to use the post. The situation is so fluid that it's pointless worrying about it in advance, personally I'd just book a few chunks of leave, eg a week or 2 at Easter, summer and autumn, maybe half terms if you're stuck with school holidays, and see what you can get close to the time, and whether the hassle and possible restrictions at the destination is worth it. You might get lucky, or you might have to go somewhere in the UK, or even stay at home...but keep hoping

Mrs_pbradley936

Can someone that has been through it explain how it works? I am at home but if I was abroad and coming back this Friday where do I get the test from? If I am allowed to go to a pharmacy why would that stop me going somewhere else? I have purposely avoided going anywhere simply because I don't know how it all works and was waiting until it all passes by - I don't think it will pass by somehow!

emmajones1976

Mrs_pbradley936 said:

Can someone that has been through it explain how it works? I am at home but if I was abroad and coming back this Friday where do I get the test from? If I am allowed to go to a pharmacy why would that stop me going somewhere else? I have purposely avoided going anywhere simply because I don't know how it all works and was waiting until it all passes by - I don't think it will pass by somehow!

You either order it online to be delivered to your home and then post it back, or you book in for an in person test. You can do these at your arrival airport too (assuming you land at a decent time and its a reasonably big airport), and you dont have to wait until Day 2.

And yes I agree its a load of rubbish, they say you can nip out and post it or go and do the test but like you say, you could nip to the newsagent whilst out, nobody is enforcing it, its all done on trust.

michael1234

Mrs_pbradley936 said:

Can someone that has been through it explain how it works? I am at home but if I was abroad and coming back this Friday where do I get the test from? If I am allowed to go to a pharmacy why would that stop me going somewhere else? I have purposely avoided going anywhere simply because I don't know how it all works and was waiting until it all passes by - I don't think it will pass by somehow!

Coincidentally that's exactly my situation. Agree with Emma's answer above. I'll probably do the postal as can work at home but I have noticed the dang prices for PCR seemed to have increased already. Yesterday I could get one for £37 but today £50. Increased demand I suppose...

Thrugelmir

If people require quick turnaround then the service has to be paid for.