Lateral flow tests arrive in the island
PACKS of lateral flow tests for Covid-19 intended for arrivals to Guernsey to purchase have finally arrived.
They will start to be issued to travellers from tomorrow – but the States will not start charging £25 per pack until Monday, it said, to give an appropriate lead-in time for ‘blue channel’ travellers.
The tests were expected to arrive on Tuesday, but were delayed in the UK due to supply issues.
The first test is meant to be administered immediately upon entering the island, with the other four tests then taken every other day.
Anyone with a positive test must isolate and contact the local clinical helpline.
Children aged 11 and under and travelling with fully vaccinated adults will not receive or be charged for a lateral flow test. And young people aged between 12 and 17, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, already receive and are charged for PCR tests on arrival and on day seven.
The Civil Contingencies Authority is continuing to recommend anyone who is not a local resident to arrange a pre-travel test before entering the Bailiwick.
‘Visitors who arrange to be tested pre-travel will protect themselves and their families from the costs and difficulties they will experience if they subsequently test positive after arriving in the Bailiwick,’ a spokesman said.
Travellers from Jersey still must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken within 48-hours before travel.
This policy remains under review.
From Monday 16 August, double jabbed passengers from countries in the EU or the European Free Trade Association will only be required to isolate until giving a negative test on arrival.
Double jabbed travellers from the United States are still required to isolate until they provide a negative day 13 test.
The CCA has said the US was likely to be part of the next relaxation phase.
