Daily Mail

Go with the f low... pricey PCR tests axed for half-term

- By Harriet Line Chief Political Correspond­ent

FAMILIeS planning a half-term getaway were given a major boost last night as ministers confirmed they will scrap costly PCR travel tests in ten days’ time.

The tests, which can cost more than £100, will be replaced with cheaper rapid lateral flow swabs from October 24. Crucially they will go on sale from October 22, just as schools begin their half-term breaks.

The move could save a family of four around £200 on a trip abroad later this month, and is set to improve confidence in the beleaguere­d travel sector.

Under the plans, fully-vaccinated holidaymak­ers will now only have to take the rapid test after returning from safe countries on or before day two.

A PCR test – free on the NhS – will only be required if the rapid test is positive. Children are treated as though they are fully vaccinated, even if they are not, making family holidays possible.

But non-vaccinated adults must quarantine at home for ten days, take a prereturn test within 72 hours and two PCR tests on days two and eight after arrival.

Ministers had delayed announcing a

■ BRITAIN’S Covid cases hit a three-month high yesterday with 45,066 new infections.

Official data from the Department of Health revealed positive results are up 11 per cent compared to the same day last week. It was the highest new daily total since July 20 when infections reached 46,558.

The number of deaths also increased with 157 new victims recorded, up 9 per cent on last week. But hospitalis­ations have remained relatively stable.

specific date for the change to come into effect because of concerns over whether private providers had enough supply to meet demand.

health Secretary Sajid Javid said last night that the move would make going abroad ‘easier and cheaper’.

he had wanted travellers to be supervised taking the rapid tests, but a photograph of the negative result taken on a mobile phone and sent to the provider to verify will now be sufficient.

Travellers will not be able to use free tests provided by the NhS, but must instead book through private providers and prove on their passenger locator form that they have done so. Lateral flow tests typically cost between £20 and £40.

Some travel chiefs and MPs said the Government should go further and scrap all testing for fully-vaccinated travellers.

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultanc­y The PC Agency, said: ‘If you’ve been double-jabbed, why should you have to take a test at all?

‘even being forced to take a lateral flow test is the equivalent of a tax on travelling – you have to pay it, you have to do it, and you get no choice. These measures remain a barrier to building confidence to travel.’

Labour’s Ben Bradshaw, a member of the Commons Transport Committee, said that while the announceme­nt was welcome, it ‘still leaves Britain with the most onerous and expensive travel regime of any european country’.

he added: ‘What we really should do is follow europe’s example and allow test-free travel for double-vaccinated passengers and bring us in line with the rest of europe.’ But Tim Alderslade, chief executive of the trade body Airlines UK, said: ‘We’re grateful to ministers for getting this over the line in time for the crucial halfterm period.’

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘Today’s rule changes will make testing on arrival simpler and cheaper for people who are looking forward to well-earned breaks.

‘Taking away expensive mandatory PCR testing will boost the travel industry and is a major step forward in normalisin­g internatio­nal travel and encouragin­g people to book holidays with confidence.’

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