Luton: Covid travel rules explained

The Covid rules on travel and testing are confusing – and anyone thinking of travelling needs clarity.
Where can I get day 2 and 8 Covid tests in my local area?Where can I get day 2 and 8 Covid tests in my local area?
Where can I get day 2 and 8 Covid tests in my local area?

Here, Daniel Cheung from Medix Pharmacy (MDX Healthcare) in Stevenage outlines the latest rules on international travel, and how you can book your day 2 and 8 tests locally.

What is day 2 and day 8 testing?

It is now mandatory that all international arrivals arriving back into England need to book a COVID-19 PCR testing before they start boarding. Without booking the tests prior to departure they could be fined and will definitely not be allowed to board their flight back.

The tests are done on day 2 and day 8 after their international arrival and the traveller has to self-quarantine for 10 days as a minimum.

What if I came back from a red listed country?

If you have arrived back from an international destination that is on the UK Government red list, then you will have to go into a UK Government-approved managed quarantine facility. If the country you departed is not on the red list then you can self-quarantine at home.

What is the purpose of Day 2 and Day 8 testing?

The reason for imposing this testing is the UK Government wants travellers to be tested to screen for any COVID-19 variants of concern. The UK Government can then act quickly and isolate the cases to help the country beat COVID-19.

I am only staying in England for less than 10 days and won’t need both of the tests, can I only book for one?

Yes, from the 31 March 2021; you book just one of the tests if your stay in England is less than 10 days.

Do I need to pay for the tests up front?

Yes for Day 2 and Day 8 testing, all tests have to be booked upfront and unfortunately there are no refunds on this. This is to stop people from booking their tests and arriving back into the country and not carrying out the testing. Once the tests are booked up and paid for, a booking reference is given which needs to be used for the Passenger Location Form.

How do I leave self-quarantine?

You will need to book an additional test at day 5, which is known as the Test to Release test. If your results are negative then you can leave your self-quarantine, providing you are not in a managed quarantine facility and go back to society. It will still be mandatory for you to do the day 8 testing regardless.

How do I book these tests?

These tests are bookable on the Medix website. Click here to book today or by calling 01438 940654.

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