There is no doubt that COVID-19 has changed the way we travel abroad, from needing a negative PCR test result to be able to enter a country to having to quarantine on arrival back into the UK.
Travellers arriving back home from abroad have been particularly affected due to the introduction of a standard 10-day self-isolation period at home if they are returning from a country that has a high coronavirus infection level.
However, on 15th December 2020, the government launched the ‘Test to Release’ scheme meaning all travellers into the UK can potentially reduce their quarantine after five days, if they can produce a negative test result.
What is a Test to Release?
Back in December last year, the UK government announced that passengers arriving into the UK from countries that were not on the red list of countries could exit their self-isolation period early by taking a PCR test five days after arrival. As soon as the result is back, and it is a negative one, then people are able to leave their quarantine and return to their day-to-day life.
Why is Test to Release so important?
The introduction of the Test to Release test was seen as a huge boost for international travellers, as it is aimed at reassuring people that they could potentially isolate for a shorter time on their return home – if they tested negative for COVID-19.
How does the Test to Release work?
In order to take part in the ‘Test to Release’ scheme, the government requires you to book your test prior to your return to the UK. This is due to the fact that you have to fill out a passenger locator form including the name of your approved testing provider, Fit2FlyTest, in order for the scheme to successfully operate.
If you don’t pre-book your test before your return flight home, then you have to resubmit your passenger locator form, meaning your early release from quarantine will then be delayed.
When you return to the UK you should self-isolate for five days, and take the PCR Swab test on the fifth full day of self-isolation. You will need to continue to self-isolate until you receive your results. If your result is negative, then you can resume your day-to-day life and end quarantine, but if the result is positive then you must continue to self-isolate for 10 days from the day you took the tests – in line with government guidelines.
How can Fit2FlyTest help me with the Test to Release?
As one of the UK’s leading COVID-19 providers, we are a private provider who can offer you this test and potentially help you to leave quarantine early.
