New PCR test that swabs mouth instead of nose approved for holidaymakers

A NEW Covid test which lets you swab your mouth instead of your nose has been approved by the government for holidays.

Currently, Brits need to take a PCR test when returning to the UK, which require a swab in the nostril and back of the throat.

While airlines and tour operators are offering discounted versions, they can also cost up to £120 per person.

However, testing service HALO, one of the UK’s leading Covid-19 testing providers, has finally been given approval for the first saliva-based PCR test.

Costing £89 per test, they mean Brits wont have to undergo the uncomfortable procedure currently required and will just have to collect their saliva in the tube.

The kits will be for Brits returning from green countries – which requires a pre-arrival test and test on day two – and amber countries, which requires a pre-arrival test as well as two Covid tests on day two and day eight of the mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Travellers who need the test will be able to prebook them, with door-to-door couriers and app-based results.


Travellers will also receive a secure verification certificate which can be downloaded, printed or stored for proof of test.

HALO Founder Jonathan Biles said: “With our new Day 2 and 8 test service, we will provide British travellers with a painless, safe, reliable and cost-effective way to approach travel.

“Our new Day 2 and 8 testing service will continue our relentless focus on quality.

"With a test success rate of over 99 per cent, our own first-class lab at Imperial College London and a UK based customer support team operating 24 hours a day seven days a week, we pride ourselves on offering the most complete, best-value testing service available."

The cheapest on the market right now is TUI, who offers a £20 Covid testing kit which includes two tests for green list passenger.

Returning amber travellers can pay £50 for the three tests required.

We've explained which countries are requiring a negative Covid test from tourists this summer, as well as how much they will cost.

Currently, there are only 12 countries on the UK's green list which doesn't enforce a quarantine when returning to the country.

This week’s best deals on holidays abroad

  • Portugal holidays to book from £131pp now Brit tourists can travel to country
  • Get Universal Orlando theme park tickets for adults at kids’ prices
  • Gibraltar holidays from £105pp as country makes UK green list
  • Cheap Portugal villa holidays and all inclusive hotels
  • Flights for Portugal in June from £10
  • TUI launches summer sale with £50 off Portugal hols or £100 off Greece & Malta

This includes Portugal and Gibraltar although it is hoped more destinations could be added by the next review on June 7.

The rest of Europe is on the amber list, including Spain, Greece and Italy, and requires the mandatory 10-day quarantine from all incoming travellers.

However, the government has caused huge confusion by saying Brits should NOT be heading to amber countries for holidays, even though they are not on the travel ban list.

    Source: Read Full Article

    Previous post Southwest Airlines is bringing alcohol (and coffee) back to flights this summer
    Next post Biden’s pressure on Bibi contradicts his own words — and endangers Israel