Covid tests travel rule change
FULLY vaccinated people arriving in Wales from countries not on the red list will be able to take a cheaper and quicker lateral flow test rather than the PCR version from October 31, it has been announced.
The Welsh Government confirmed the new rules for people in Wales will start a week after the rules are brought in for people arriving in England.
Wales Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “From Sunday, October 31, all adults in Wales, who have completed their two-dose course of the Covid-19 vaccine and the majority of under-18s, who have travelled from countries which are not on the red list, will be able to take a lateral flow test, on or before day two of their arrival into the UK.”
If people have a positive lateral flow test on their return from travelling overseas, they will be required to isolate for 10 days and take a follow-up PCR test.
People will continue to have the option of booking and taking a PCR test as the required day two test as they currently have.
Explaining the difference in start dates with England, Ms Morgan explained: “We are unable to introduce the changes at the same time as we have not received sufficient or timely information from the UK Government
on how these changes will operate in practice.
“This is not ideal. However, despite the differences for a short period, Welsh residents wishing to travel will be able to do so. The only difference from English residents will be that up until October 31 Welsh residents will need to continue to book a day two PCR test.”
NHS PCR tests can be booked on the CTM booking portal and private sector tests can be booked from a private provider listed on GOV.UK.
First Minister Mark Drakeford has raised concerns about the change to testing several times, accusing the UK Government of risking the health of the country by scrapping the day two PCR tests.
The Health Minister’s statement, added: “We remain concerned about the UK Government’s approach – and the speed at which it is opening up international travel and its decisions to change the border health measures, which are important protections to prevent the risk of new cases – and new variants of coronavirus – from entering the UK.
“We have consistently urged the UK
Government to take a precautionary approach towards reopening international travel.
“However, it is difficult for us to adopt a different testing regime to that required by the UK Government, as the majority of Welsh travellers enter the UK through ports and airports in England. Having different testing requirements would cause significant practical problems, confusion among the travelling public, logistical issues, enforcement at our borders and disadvantages for Welsh businesses.
“We have reached this decision by balancing the public health needs with those of the travel sector against a backdrop of the increasing opening up of international travel. Having considered the implications in detail, I have reluctantly decided that for practical reasons close alignment with the UK Government’s arrangements is the most viable option.
“We continue to encourage people to only travel for essential reasons.”