Change of regulations

[Yogini, Waterlooville]

I was on the 23 November sailing out of Southampton on Magnifica.

We heard about the changes requiring a PCR rather than LFT on return on Sunday, but waited for confirmation. I waited until Tuesday morning to use my mobile data when we arrived at Southampton, and luckily I had an email from Eurofins informing me that all tests would be upgraded at no extra charge Immigration officers were on board, and thankfully accepted that email as proof that I had a PCR test booked. Others had booked postal tests, so had to purchase another test.

It seems like the testing companies are very busy because of the changes. I went out for my test Wednesday morning, and have stayed in while waiting for the result. My sample arrived at the lab at around 1.30am this morning. I keep checking my emails as I have a matinee theatre ticket for this afternoon. I suppose I was being over-optimistic when I booked, and I was fully aware that the situation could change.

Fingers crossed that the result is negative, and arrives in time for me to get to Chichester.

[Gill Nickson, Albox]

Best of luck, Yogini!

[annie, Glasgow]

I was on the 23 November sailing out of Southampton on Magnifica.

We heard about the changes requiring a PCR rather than LFT on return on Sunday, but waited for confirmation. I waited until Monday morning to use my mobile data when we arrived at Southampton, and luckily I had an email from Eurofins informing me that all tests would be upgraded at no extra charge Immigration officers were on board, and thankfully accepted that email as proof that I had a PCR test booked. Others had booked postal tests, so had to purchase another test.

It seems like the testing companies are very busy because of the changes. I went out for my test Wednesday morning, and have stayed in while waiting for the result. My sample arrived at the lab at around 1.30am this morning. I keep checking my emails as I have a matinee theatre ticket for this afternoon. I suppose I was being over-optimistic when I booked, and I was fully aware that the situation could change.

Fingers crossed that the result is negative, and arrives in time for me to get to Chichester.

Curious, Immigration would appear to be more strict at Southampton than at the airports.

Fingers crossed for you

Annie

[Topdeck, London]

Had my LFT cancelled, booked the new ones while in port with testing for all.

Would have done LHR drive in but they close too early.

Can put up with staying at home for a few days, been away for 2 weeks while some are still hiding at home over 18 months.

Good customer service from eurofins upgrading for free they are the ones the cruise line I am on use.

I thought the change applied from 4am Tues morning not Monday

[carol, welwyn garden city]

I'm just wondering what happens if you have previously had Covid, as it can show positive for 90 days, you could return home, and be stuck there for weeks, while it gets out of your system!! .................................................. ....Carol

[annie, Glasgow]

I'm just wondering what happens if you have previously had Covid, as it can show positive for 90 days, you could return home, and be stuck there for weeks, while it gets out of your system!! .................................................. ....Carol

Senior moment on my part Carol, if a passenger still had remnants of Covid in their system would they have been permitted to board the ship?

Annie

[carol, welwyn garden city]

Senior moment on my part Carol, if a passenger still had remnants of Covid in their system would they have been permitted to board the ship?

Annie

Apparently Covid can show up if you have had it in the past with a PCR test, but it doesn't show in a lateral flow test ......................................Carol

[annie, Glasgow]

Apparently Covid can show up if you have had it in the past with a PCR test, but it doesn't show in a lateral flow test ......................................Carol

Thanks Carol - why use LFTs then?

Annie

[Issyalex, Glasgow]

Thanks Carol - why use LFTs then?

Annie

As you know Annie LFT’s are only 40% accurate but I’m guessing doing them is better than doing nothing and they’re cheaper than PCR tests by the time you take in staff and lab costs.

[annie, Glasgow]

As you know Annie LFT’s are only 40% accurate but I’m guessing doing them is better than doing nothing and they’re cheaper than PCR tests by the time you take in staff and lab costs.

So some cruise lines use the cheaper and less accurate tests to allow you to board a cruise ship ? Makes a lot of sense - not - JMO.

These testing protocols are all over the place and the sooner they are standardised to PCR the better.

Annie

[Topdeck, London]

Depends which bit of research you want to go with.

https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/a...covid-19-tests

https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.sk...-find-12433421

LFT have the advantage of being near real time which makes them quite effective at weeding out people where catching asymptomatic is important.

Anyone with symptoms should be isolating and getting PCR.

For those that have had covid there is the recovery passport that ioption buts NOT accepted for all forms of travel.

[gloandgeoff, Manchester]

Can anybody please recommend a day 2 testing place to go ,I have been told Wren and Randox are ok .Anyone used them ?Any recommended places near Manchester or Southampton please

[Issyalex, Glasgow]

Can anybody please recommend a day 2 testing place to go ,I have been told Wren and Randox are ok .Anyone used them ?Any recommended places near Manchester or Southampton please

We used Nationwide pathology for our day 2 PCR test for several reasons, 1) great reviews on test pilot, 2) delivery a few days after buying. 3) we could just use a priority post office box, 4) next day results by test and email after posting them back. They cost £40pp.

[jc, liverpool]

Can anybody please recommend a day 2 testing place to go ,I have been told Wren and Randox are ok .Anyone used them ?Any recommended places near Manchester or Southampton please

Hi
Which side of Manchester are you on?
I used Eurofins drive through at Birchwood in between Warrington and Manchester,,,,,just off the M62,,,,it was £20 for a PCR test.
JC

[gloandgeoff, Manchester]

No problem with Eurofinns ,only problem is that they have some very poor reviews on trust pilot