King's Pharmacy
How to Take PCR and Rapid Antigen tests & Why You Need Them
Many people are currently avoiding travel because they find it difficult to deal with the hassle and cost of getting tested for COVID-19. The UK’s government changes the rules and regulations regularly and they can sometimes be confusing. Still, you can always stay on the safe side with a Fit to Fly Antigen & Day 2 PCR test in Birmingham.
Nevertheless, people are still travelling into and out of the United Kingdom. Let’s take a look at the regulations and how to follow them to be safe.
Updated 6/12/21
What to know regarding the Fit to Fly Antigen & Day 2 PCR test in Birmingham
– Everyone arriving into the UK must undergo a day 2 test whether they are vaccinated or not.
– Your day 2 test must be a PCR test as of 04:00 GMT on 30th November. It’s mandatory to self-isolate until you have received a negative result.
– You will be required to provide your booking reference for your passenger locator form. This form can be filled in up to 48 hours prior to your departure. This means you’ll need to book the day 2 test before you get to the airport to take the flight to the UK.
What are the new changes?
An antigen or lateral flow test was allowed for day 2 testing on 24th October. However, according to the UK government, you’ll now need to take a PCR test on arrival regardless of your country of origin or vaccination status. This is as a result of the Omicron COVID-19 strain, which has been referred to as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organization and is a very high global risk.
It’s worth noting that the green and amber lists were removed on 4th October 2021. The red list was removed in October, but 10 countries were recently added to the list again. These include South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini, Botswana, Angola, Zambia and Mozambique. If you are returning from one of these countries, you will only be allowed to enter the UK if you are a UK resident, or a UK or Ireland citizen.
Who should take the Fit to Fly antigen & day 2 PCR tests in Birmingham?
As of 4am on Tuesday the 7th of December, it’s mandatory that you take a COVID-19 test before your trip to the UK. This is regardless of your vaccination status, or the country you’re flying from. Also, if you have come into contact with someone with a suspected or confirmed Omicron infection, you must follow isolation guidance.
Those who are already vaccinated
If you fall under the category of fully vaccinated, here are the things you need to do when visiting the UK.
Before travelling to the UK – fully vaccinated
Before you make a trip to the UK:
– Take a PCR test in the 72 hours before your return flight
– Book and pay for a COVID-19 day 2 PCR test in Birmingham that you’ll take on arrival
– Complete a passenger locator form that should be done in the 48 hours before arrival in England
– Isolate until you get a negative result
You’ll have to use a private test provider since the NHS test cannot be used for the day 2 PCR test.
You will be required to include your COVID-19 test booking reference number on your PLF (passenger locator form).
If you’ve just arrived in the UK, you’ll still be required to book and make a payment for a day 2 COVID-19 test. You will have to quarantine until you get a negative day 2 COVID-19 test or leave the UK.
Before travelling to the UK – not fully vaccinated
Before you make a trip to the UK:
– Take a PCR test in the 72 hours before your return flight
– Book and pay for COVID-19 day 2 & 8 PCR tests in Birmingham that you’ll take on arrival
– Complete a passenger locator form that should be done in the 48 hours before arrival in England
– Isolate for the full 10 days, regardless of your result
When should you take the Fit to Fly Antigen & day 2 PCR test in Birmingham?
The Fit to Fly Antigen test should be taken in the 3 days before you travel abroad.
The test result must be presented before boarding. For example, if you are departing from England on Thursday, you can take the test on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday before the day of departure. PCR tests can also be used as proof that you are fit to fly when travelling abroad, as well as on your return if needed.
Day 2 tests should be taken before the end of day 2 when you return to the UK.
Where should you take the test?
To take a test, you will have to go to a private test provider like King’s Pharmacy. Our test is a home testing kit for your convenience. Get in touch to book an antigen test or book your PCR test here:
This blog post was written on behalf of King’s Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
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