Every traveller entering the UK now needs to take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival. The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 led to the reintroduction of some restrictions that had already been scrapped. People travelling from other countries will now be required to take PCR tests, and even isolate, on arrival to the UK. Get in touch with us today to get your Covid PCR test in Northampton.
What are the new rules for a Covid PCR test in Northampton?
You will be required to take a PCR test within 48 hours if you are planning to visit the UK from any country except Ireland. A lateral flow test is no longer acceptable. You will also need to take a test in the two days before you travel to England.
Make sure to book the PCR test prior to the day of travel from an institution that the government approves.
It’s necessary to self-isolate after the PCR test, whether you are vaccinated or not until your results are out. You’ll only stop self-isolating if the results turn out negative.
Check out more information on Covid-19 testing here:
Which countries are on the red list now?
There are currently no countries or regions on the red list.
For how long must you quarantine? (Covid PCR test in Northampton)
If you’re fully vaccinated
For persons who are fully vaccinated, a COVID-19 test will be necessary on the date of arrival or on the second day after arriving in the UK. Your self-quarantine will immediately come to an end only if your test result comes back negative.
However, you’ll have to quarantine for 10 days if the test turns out to be positive, with day 1 being the day after testing. If the test results are unclear, you’ll also have to isolate for 14 days or until you get confirmation, whichever comes first.
If you are not fully vaccinated
You will need to take a test in the two days before you travel to England. You will also be required to take the Day 2 and Day 8 tests after arriving in England.
You’ll have to quarantine for 10 days if you have not received your full vaccination for COVID-19. Your quarantine will start immediately after you arrive and end on the tenth day of your stay. This is the period it takes for the symptoms of COVID-19 to become apparent/
To enable you to keep track of the days, note that the date of arrival is day 0.
Are antigen tests as effective as the Covid PCR test in Northampton?
Rapid antigen tests provide a fast result; that is why they are used for daily testing for occupational or social purposes. However, they are not currently accepted as proof of a negative result on your return to the UK. They are also not recommended if you have symptoms of Covid-19. Some countries may accept them as proof that you are Fit to Fly. However, it is important to check the regulations for your destination of choice in advance of your trip.
Get a Fit to Fly test
The COVID-19 Fit to Fly test kit for home use is suitable for people going on trips for a holiday, study or work and is required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 result.
The Fit to Fly test is meant to provide confirmation of your current test results. Your Fit to Fly certificate will have to be presented at the airport as proof.
Depending on your destination, you may be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 before you arrive. It’s important to keep yourself updated on any changes regarding the country you’ll be visiting. There may also be further restrictions on travellers from the UK in some countries.
Learn more about our rapid antigen testing for Fit to Fly here:
What to do if you are interested in having a Covid PCR test in Northampton
Contact us today and talk about your situation. One of our pharmacists will tell you the tests that you need. If you have any symptoms, please do not come into the pharmacy, instead, get a PCR test through the NHS and follow the regulations set aside by the government.
Visit us to get your testing kit today!
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This blog post was written on behalf of Croyland Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.