COVID-19: UK cancels pre-departure travel tests
The United Kingdom has discontinued pre-departure COVID-19 tests for fully vaccinated travellers coming to England.
The changes will come into effect from January 11 and apply to England only for now.
“From 4am on Sunday 9 January, eligible fully vaccinated travellers and over 5s will be able to take a lateral flow test instead of a PCR on or before day 2 of their arrival in England. Lateral flow tests for travel can be booked from Friday 7 January and taken upon arrival, by the end of day 2,” the British government said on its website “eligible fully vaccinated passengers and under 18s will no longer need to take a pre-departure test or self-isolate on arrival in England from 4am on Friday 7 January but must continue to take their post-arrival tests.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the pre-departure test “discourages many from travelling for fear of being trapped overseas and incurring significant extra expense.”
Mr Johnson had met with his cabinet to discuss changes to travel tests, the government has said it will ease COVID testing rules for people without symptoms, who will no longer need to confirm a positive lateral flow test with a PCR.
On Tuesday, Mr Johnson said he hoped the country could “ride out” the current wave, although he acknowledged parts of the NHS would feel temporarily overwhelmed.
Under the existing health regulations, people who get positive lateral flow tests who have no symptoms would need a PCR test from a laboratory to confirm their result. The change will also improve access to PCR tests for people with symptoms and for healthcare, transport and other key workers following problems over test supplies.
Dr Susan Hopkins of the UK Health Security Agency, said, “It is vital anyone who receives a positive day 2 lateral flow test self-isolates immediately and orders a PCR on GOV.UK. All travel PCRs with high amounts of virus are sequenced to help us understand if any new variants are emerging around the world and entering the UK.”
Ms Hopkins urged everyone to face masks where required, wash hands regularly and work from home to help stop the spread of the virus.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
Trump administration subpoenas New York Times journalists over Air Force One story
The subpoenas seek to compel the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan.
Heading 2
Klopp agrees to replace Nagelsmann as Germany coach
Nagelsmann resigned last week as the men’s national team coach following Germany’s shocking exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Health
FG expands cancer funding, local drug production
“We are trying to domesticate expensive treatments by producing much-needed medicines locally and translating global research into action in our clinics,” he said.
Heading 3
Remi Tinubu begs Asake, Davido, Burna Boy to come rescue poor Nigerians from hunger
The first lady stated that buying exotic cars is good, but noted that the singers can still establish foundations to assist the struggling population.
Heading 5
State police may be misused for political victimisation if systemic corruption persists, Anglican bishop says
“If corruption remains prevalent, those in state authority might use the structure to victimise their perceived enemies,” he said.
Heading 2
Lagos urges residents to take ownership of housing estates, maintain infrastructure
The state government noted that taking such responsibility would also enhance security and sustain property value.
