Covid-19 Testing Overview:
- Who: Travelers who utilize Covid-19 testing centres in the UK
- Why: A UK agency says that just 6 percent of Covid-19 testing centres listed on official government websites are accredited.
- Where: Covid-19 testing centres used by those traveling to the UK and required to undergo testing.
The UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) has certified just 6 percent of the private Covid-19 testing centres listed on official government websites, according to a report by the agency.
Those traveling from “amber” places, such as Italy and Spain are required to obtain multiple tests upon arrival and several days after. Even the vaccinated and travelers from “green” zone countries must take at least one PCR Covid-19 test; however, the lack of accredited Covid-19 testing centres may leave travelers in a bind.
“They are mandatory tests that we have to do when traveling”, the travel editor of a non-profit consumer protection group Which? told the Financial Times. “They are posted on the government website, so we expect them to be approved when consumers click to visit the provider”.
The costs of Covid-19 tests range from £20 to £575 and travelers face steep penalties for a missed test.
“Around 25 private providers on the Department of Health and Social Care lists hold full UKAS accreditation for Covid-19 testing”, said an agency representative, according to the Financial Times.
That means that many of the hundreds of private providers listed on government websites are not accredited by the agency. Critics also question the cost, as well as the quality of the Covid-19 testing offered.
“At peak times, private testing companies promise capabilities that they may not be able to offer”, Willy Walsh, Director of the International Air Transport Association’s Industry Group, reportedly said in a statement. “The government does not tolerate this kind of action from other service providers, but it fosters the industry and looks at it. They need to take seriously the regulation of this fast-growing exploitation industry”.
UKAS reports that it has received about 500 applications for accreditation from private centres that offer in-person Covid-19 testing. These centres will need to have completed the process by August, says UKAS.
Testing centres that send travelers home with self-administered tests do not require UKAS certification, says the agency.
“UKAS will not carry out any further assessments for those that do not need to apply for UKAS accreditation”, stated a representative. “But UKAS confirms that such providers are using accredited laboratories or have applied for a” proper method for Covid-19 testing “.
Indeed, the government says that it does not endorse or recommend any specific Covid-19 testing centre and encourages travelers to do their own research, reports the Financial Times.
Travelers, including those who have been double vaccinated, may find it difficult to make comparisons, say some industry experts.
“Travellers have no easy way of comparing between test providers in terms of cost or service quality”, Walsh told the Financial Times.
As the pandemic drags into its second year, UK travelers have faced a number of issues, including restrictions barring travel to the European Union, self-isolation fines, and a trial-run “COVID passport” app called CommonPass.
Have you had to get Covid-19 testing after traveling to the UK? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
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