London Southend Airport has opened a new not-for-profit private Covid-19 testing facility in its premises.
The new onsite test centre is the result of collaboration between London Southend Airport, digital and diagnostics company Prenetics and Acacium Group.
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The launch comes as the UK reduced the quarantine with a negative test from 15 December, along with the requirement of private test certificates on arrival by many countries.
Where quarantine is compulsory on arrival into the UK, from 15 December, the ten-day period can be cut short with a private negative Covid-19 test.
London Southend Airport CEO Glyn Jones said: “We are pleased to offer not-for-profit testing as we welcome passengers back to the airport for travel over the festive period. We have seen a surge in bookings and have received several queries regarding PCR testing onsite.”
UK government is regularly updating its travel corridors on a weekly basis.
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By GlobalDataAs the coronavirus cases are on the rise in the region, NHS testing has been increased to seven days a week at the airport.
For travel or quarantine requirements, a private test is essential to obtain the certificate.
While booking is essential, the airport said that passengers should not visit the facility in case they are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms.
In case of symptoms, they should book an NHS test supported at an alternative location within the premises of the airport.
Since the airport will conduct the tests on a not-for-profit basis, travellers can book a test at a cost of £105 and non-passengers at £125.
The airport said that it will send the tests on the same day to the lab in Norwich for results and certification.
The tests will be conducted by Prenetics, which was recently approved by the government for the ‘Test to Release’ travel quarantine reduction programme.
In line with the latest government guidance, the airport is reviewing antigen testing and LAMP testing.
In a separate development, health and wellness company XpresSpa Group has announced the expansion of Covid-19 testing services for JetBlue Airlines commuters in Boston Logan International Airport, through a new partnership with XpresCheck.
In early January, XpresCheck will introduce a new testing centre in JetBlue’s Terminal C.
With advance appointments recommended, the XpresCheck testing centre will provide both rapid and PCR tests.
