 Poster: A snowHead
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| Hal Apeno wrote: |
| hd wrote: |
@peerless ploughman, so on that basis we need tighter restrictions for a variant that causes milder disease?
You couldn't make this up. |
Zero deaths and mild symptoms. Almost like this virus is behaving like every other virus before it and the mutations are becoming less deadly. But still, let's panic and lock the world down just in case  |
Do you not recall the years of travel bans and tyranny for having a common cold……oh yeah never happened. A few are getting very rich off these measures! It’s a global scam. Those who gain power never wish to relinquish it without a fight!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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If we can take tests with us, same ones we’d do before travel, then we’re still ok. All vaccinated so no other tests.
Only concern is son who’s in Sweden, as rules have changed 3 times since he was there!
Incidentally, just done a LFT, mixed swab with sample and dripped on test. Negative - didn’t actually do test. So point of all this is
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| andy from embsay wrote: |
| Take one with you, swab yourself, take a photo with your passport, cert sent within a few hours. Testing for All and C19 Testing both fast delivery and reliable returns. |
That’s my plan, and will order two more tests today from C19 to take with me later this week, but just wanted to make sure I’d not missed an announcement that these tests have to be done with an approved local supplier.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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For what it's worth, both the SA and UK scientists on Marr this morning opined that testing + travel bans are shutting the door after the horse has bolted, the variant is causing mostly milder disease in unvaccinated younger people, and vaccines will still protect against severe disease.
On we go.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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At the moment this latest addition doesn't effect us as we need a PCR to fly back from Geneva, I haven't worked out how to do that one yet. If I've done the PCR to get into Switzerland then an antigen on day 7, would they actually stop us boarding a flight? Do you think our private antigen tests with a certificate would work for ski lifts for my 12 year old? or only on day 1?
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| hd wrote: |
For what it's worth, both the SA and UK scientists on Marr this morning opined that testing + travel bans are shutting the door after the horse has bolted, the variant is causing mostly milder disease in unvaccinated younger people, and vaccines will still protect against severe disease.
On we go. |
Marr breathlessly telling us “this variant can infect vaccinated people!!!!!!” as if this is unheard of - despite himself being a man who was infected with Delta in the summer, having been vaccinated…
Does Long Covid make you a bit thick?
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| WishIWasFitter wrote: |
| At the moment this latest addition doesn't effect us as we need a PCR to fly back from Geneva, I haven't worked out how to do that one yet. If I've done the PCR to get into Switzerland then an antigen on day 7, would they actually stop us boarding a flight? Do you think our private antigen tests with a certificate would work for ski lifts for my 12 year old? or only on day 1? |
Where are you flying back to to require a PCR to fly back from GVA?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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This may be a moot point considering everything is currently closed but for anyone hoping to travel to Austria, it is worth noting that tests can be obtained for free in many places. If there is a convenient testing centre, they are generally very efficient and you will be in and out in under a minute.
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| andy from embsay wrote: |
| rob@rar wrote: |
| twoodwar wrote: |
@hammerite, we now have to!  |
Do we have to use a local provider, or can we purchase an approved Lateral Flow test in the UK before we travel, and then do that test the day before we travel home? |
Take one with you, swab yourself, take a photo with your passport, cert sent within a few hours. Testing for All and C19 Testing both fast delivery and reliable returns. |
But it has to be a private test which has a unique ID to be recorded and cross referenced on whichever system is used in that country. My understanding is that the free NHS LFT’s are not valid to take abroad and will not be recognised for travel back to UK.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| andy from embsay wrote: |
| Marr breathlessly telling us “this variant can infect vaccinated people!!!!!!” |
Very disappointing. Every variant, including the original, can infect fully vaccinated people. Right from the start the information we all wanted to know was how effective the vaccines would be. Nobody expected 100% effectiveness, nobody was surprised or even disappointed when the vaccine trials showed they were less than 100% effective. So the very first thing we learned about these vaccines is that vaccinated people can be infected, the very first thing!
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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| jirac18 wrote: |
| andy from embsay wrote: |
| rob@rar wrote: |
| twoodwar wrote: |
| @hammerite, we now have to! |
Do we have to use a local provider, or can we purchase an approved Lateral Flow test in the UK before we travel, and then do that test the day before we travel home? |
Take one with you, swab yourself, take a photo with your passport, cert sent within a few hours. Testing for All and C19 Testing both fast delivery and reliable returns. |
But it has to be a private test which has a unique ID to be recorded and cross referenced on whichever system is used in that country. My understanding is that the free NHS LFT’s are not valid to take abroad and will not be recognised for travel back to UK. |
No, NHS ones aren’t, but UK private ones are fine and have been all year.
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You know it makes sense.
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| jirac18 wrote: |
| But it has to be a private test which has a unique ID to be recorded and cross referenced on whichever system is used in that country. My understanding is that the free NHS LFT’s are not valid to take abroad and will not be recognised for travel back to UK. |
I'm not talking about the free NHS tests, I'm talking about a test pre-purchased from an approved provider in the UK which generates a certified test result with a unique identifier. Simply in order to reduce the hassle when I'm in resort, I'd rather purchase a test before I travel than have to schlep around while I'm out there.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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| Scarlet wrote: |
| This may be a moot point considering everything is currently closed but for anyone hoping to travel to Austria, it is worth noting that tests can be obtained for free in many places. If there is a convenient testing centre, they are generally very efficient and you will be in and out in under a minute. |
Would these tests be valid for pre-departure to UK?
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Poster: A snowHead
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| rob@rar wrote: |
| andy from embsay wrote: |
| Marr breathlessly telling us “this variant can infect vaccinated people!!!!!!” |
Very disappointing. Every variant, including the original, can infect fully vaccinated people. Right from the start the information we all wanted to know was how effective the vaccines would be. Nobody expected 100% effectiveness, nobody was surprised or even disappointed when the vaccine trials showed they were less than 100% effective. So the very first thing we learned about these vaccines is that vaccinated people can be infected, the very first thing! |
Yep. The whole point of the vaccines is to protect against severe illness and hospitalisation, and the vaccine scientists such as Gilbert continue to assure us as they have from the start that they still will do for any variant that pops up. They are designed for this eventuality, and achieve this through the cellular immune response and memory they achieve. What they can't do is protect against all infections, as you need the antibody element of the vaccine response for this, which wanes over time and/or may not have an exact match for the variant in question. The media don't seem to get this.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Scarlet wrote: |
| This may be a moot point considering everything is currently closed but for anyone hoping to travel to Austria, it is worth noting that tests can be obtained for free in many places. If there is a convenient testing centre, they are generally very efficient and you will be in and out in under a minute. |
Convenient being the keyword. We are due to be in Mayrhofen mid January, I’ve searched the web and the nearest test centre is Innsbruck so trying to coordinate getting that done prior to returning is problematic for sure on a package trip. Easier if DIY. If anyone can find a link for pharmacies etc doing recognised tests for return to uk and post them for the resorts that would be amazing but so far I’m drawing a blank.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@rob@rar,
Was looking yesterday & Staysure is one which seems to be do it but not recommending anyone as not taken out insurance yet, still in 2 minds about going on hols yet.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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With the company I booked a PCR test with 24 hour turnaround with, I could get a lateral flow test £22.50 and day 2 PCR test for £85. Total expenditure: roughly £196 just for one person, someone is making a healthy profit here off a bad situation and it really annoys.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| rob@rar wrote: |
| jirac18 wrote: |
| But it has to be a private test which has a unique ID to be recorded and cross referenced on whichever system is used in that country. My understanding is that the free NHS LFT’s are not valid to take abroad and will not be recognised for travel back to UK. |
I'm not talking about the free NHS tests, I'm talking about a test pre-purchased from an approved provider in the UK which generates a certified test result with a unique identifier. Simply in order to reduce the hassle when I'm in resort, I'd rather purchase a test before I travel than have to schlep around while I'm out there. |
Exactly - in Morzine over the summer people were having to wait quite a long time to get a LF test at the pharmacie - just take it with you as you say. Easy McPeasy.
With the added benefit of being able to swab yourself avoiding the risk of having your brain stabbed by a cotton-bud…
Last edited by Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do. on Sun 5-12-21 10:55; edited 1 time in total
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| rob@rar wrote: |
| jirac18 wrote: |
| But it has to be a private test which has a unique ID to be recorded and cross referenced on whichever system is used in that country. My understanding is that the free NHS LFT’s are not valid to take abroad and will not be recognised for travel back to UK. |
I'm not talking about the free NHS tests, I'm talking about a test pre-purchased from an approved provider in the UK which generates a certified test result with a unique identifier. Simply in order to reduce the hassle when I'm in resort, I'd rather purchase a test before I travel than have to schlep around while I'm out there. |
Yes of course makes sense. I guess my point poorly made was that it’s yet more money to stump up to profiteers which makes me so mad. Why can’t our nhs tests just be linked into the system, makes sense, sounds obvious
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| Tony111 wrote: |
@rob@rar,
Was looking yesterday & Staysure is one which seems to be do it but not recommending anyone as not taken out insurance yet, still in 2 minds about going on hols yet. |
Thanks.
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| jirac18 wrote: |
| rob@rar wrote: |
| jirac18 wrote: |
| But it has to be a private test which has a unique ID to be recorded and cross referenced on whichever system is used in that country. My understanding is that the free NHS LFT’s are not valid to take abroad and will not be recognised for travel back to UK. |
I'm not talking about the free NHS tests, I'm talking about a test pre-purchased from an approved provider in the UK which generates a certified test result with a unique identifier. Simply in order to reduce the hassle when I'm in resort, I'd rather purchase a test before I travel than have to schlep around while I'm out there. |
Yes of course makes sense. I guess my point poorly made was that it’s yet more money to stump up to profiteers which makes me so mad. Why can’t our nhs tests just be linked into the system, makes sense, sounds obvious |
Oh agree 100% - if this is as temporary as they make out, why not allow people to grab a free NHS PCR when they get home?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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| jirac18 wrote: |
| Yes of course makes sense. I guess my point poorly made was that it’s yet more money to stump up to profiteers which makes me so mad. Why can’t our nhs tests just be linked into the system, makes sense, sounds obvious |
On that point I completely agree. I have long said that the purpose of these tests is largely a public good and it seems crazy to make it more difficult for people to do them by making them a chargeable item, when the identical test is freely available from all pharmacists or post to your house at no cost, not even postage.
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Based on what we know now I really don’t understand why the authorities appear to have a strategy which will prolong the lifetime of the Delta variant and suppress a variant that would seem to be taking Covid in a more preferable direction of travel. History will judge.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| Quote: |
Why can’t our nhs tests just be linked into the system, makes sense, sounds obvious
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Because the NHS DIY tests are open to abuse and useless for Covid border control - try dropping the test solution onto the test without doing a swab - instant clean negative result 
The free NHS ones are designed so you can test yourself to see if you can visit work, socialise etc then it's your choice/conscience whether you go out
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Since the lateral flow test cannot tell the difference between the Omicron and Delta then why was there no LFT in the previous week's?
I am a big advocate for testing, isolation and vaccination. Indeed on my last trip working in a hospital in Sweden I isolated on my return from familybuntil I got a -ve PCR at home.
However, this pre departure test is a waste of time.
I can see the benefit for stopping residents of other countries coming to the UK for a short time having a pre departure test. But a returning UK citizen with accommodation here and a place to isolate if their day2 PCR is +ve is silly.
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You know it makes sense.
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| Avago wrote: |
| Scarlet wrote: |
| This may be a moot point considering everything is currently closed but for anyone hoping to travel to Austria, it is worth noting that tests can be obtained for free in many places. If there is a convenient testing centre, they are generally very efficient and you will be in and out in under a minute. |
Would these tests be valid for pre-departure to UK? |
Yes of course. This 2-tier NHS vs private test system is unique to the UK and doesn't exist in other countries. Tests are carried out in-person at a testing centre, and are valid for everything they need to be, subject to ever changing time limits.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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So I’m travelling back from Italy via Innsbruck at lunchtime on the 27th - which means I would have to get an LFT processed and confirmed on Xmas or Boxing Day! Any idea if any of the uk providers will be running over the holidays (I’m assuming local pharmacies will be shut for the holiday/Sunday). Or is there anywhere at the airport?
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Poster: A snowHead
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| GlasgowCyclops wrote: |
Since the lateral flow test cannot tell the difference between the Omicron and Delta then why was there no LFT in the previous week's?
I am a big advocate for testing, isolation and vaccination. Indeed on my last trip working in a hospital in Sweden I isolated on my return from familybuntil I got a -ve PCR at home.
However, this pre departure test is a waste of time.
I can see the benefit for stopping residents of other countries coming to the UK for a short time having a pre departure test. But a returning UK citizen with accommodation here and a place to isolate if their day2 PCR is +ve is silly. |
Nothing as pointless as doing well that which should not be done at all
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Bergmeister, Too quick for me...
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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| jirac18 wrote: |
| Scarlet wrote: |
| This may be a moot point considering everything is currently closed but for anyone hoping to travel to Austria, it is worth noting that tests can be obtained for free in many places. If there is a convenient testing centre, they are generally very efficient and you will be in and out in under a minute. |
Convenient being the keyword. We are due to be in Mayrhofen mid January, I’ve searched the web and the nearest test centre is Innsbruck so trying to coordinate getting that done prior to returning is problematic for sure on a package trip. Easier if DIY. If anyone can find a link for pharmacies etc doing recognised tests for return to uk and post them for the resorts that would be amazing but so far I’m drawing a blank. |
Yes, but you have to remember that Mayrhofen is currently closed to tourists and doesn't know for certain when it will open, therefore there is no point them setting up tourism-specific infrastructure right now. Once they open, the tourist office should be able to help you. There is no fit-to-fly test in Austria – you go to a testing centre/GP/pharmacy and a test is a test is a test. As far as I know, most pharmacies offer the service. A quick search for “Tirol Apotheke Schnelltest” brought up this list: https://www.tirol.gv.at/gesundheit-vorsorge/infekt/coronavirus-covid-19-informationen/tirol-testet/pcr-tests-bei-apotheken/ Note that pharmacy tests are not free for tourists, but because one of the main arguments for providing free tests (from the govt) was so that tourists could use them, there should be additional infrastructure set up for this purpose, as it was last season.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Scarlet wrote: |
| jirac18 wrote: |
| Scarlet wrote: |
| This may be a moot point considering everything is currently closed but for anyone hoping to travel to Austria, it is worth noting that tests can be obtained for free in many places. If there is a convenient testing centre, they are generally very efficient and you will be in and out in under a minute. |
Convenient being the keyword. We are due to be in Mayrhofen mid January, I’ve searched the web and the nearest test centre is Innsbruck so trying to coordinate getting that done prior to returning is problematic for sure on a package trip. Easier if DIY. If anyone can find a link for pharmacies etc doing recognised tests for return to uk and post them for the resorts that would be amazing but so far I’m drawing a blank. |
Yes, but you have to remember that Mayrhofen is currently closed to tourists and doesn't know for certain when it will open, therefore there is no point them setting up tourism-specific infrastructure right now. Once they open, the tourist office should be able to help you. There is no fit-to-fly test in Austria – you go to a testing centre/GP/pharmacy and a test is a test is a test. As far as I know, most pharmacies offer the service. A quick search for “Tirol Apotheke Schnelltest” brought up this list: https://www.tirol.gv.at/gesundheit-vorsorge/infekt/coronavirus-covid-19-informationen/tirol-testet/pcr-tests-bei-apotheken/ Note that pharmacy tests are not free for tourists, but because one of the main arguments for providing free tests (from the govt) was so that tourists could use them, there should be additional infrastructure set up for this purpose, as it was last season. |
But I don't think those tests can be used to prove fitness to fly for entry into the UK?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@RichardB, @Snowsartre, We are booked to travel to Banff in February, and we can just about see our way to travelling with the arrival tests although this could mean spending a 14 day holiday quarantined in the hotel...... but we are now thinking this, combined with the pre departure tests may scupper the trip altogether. If we test postive before departure, it seems we will have no accommodation as we will have to check out, and be stranded in Banff/Calgary for two weeks - at a quarantine hotel? If there is such a thing? I just can't see how it is realistic to travel given this situation could arise.....
The pre-departure implications are the same for France, I know, but somehow it seems more complicated to be stranded in Canada...... I suppose the questions are the same really.
How do you see it working?
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| Pejoli wrote: |
| So I’m travelling back from Italy via Innsbruck at lunchtime on the 27th - which means I would have to get an LFT processed and confirmed on Xmas or Boxing Day! Any idea if any of the uk providers will be running over the holidays (I’m assuming local pharmacies will be shut for the holiday/Sunday). Or is there anywhere at the airport? |
If you are not staying in Innsbruck, you may be better to get one in Italy because you won't have an Austrian address for the form. I'm not sure if the airport test centre is still there – maybe contact them and ask. Also remember that Xmas day is the 24th, and there is no need to do an antigen much in advance because the whole process only takes about half an hour, and in most cases you can get the certificates sent by email so there's no need to wait around.
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| jirac18 wrote: |
| GlasgowCyclops wrote: |
Since the lateral flow test cannot tell the difference between the Omicron and Delta then why was there no LFT in the previous week's?
I am a big advocate for testing, isolation and vaccination. Indeed on my last trip working in a hospital in Sweden I isolated on my return from familybuntil I got a -ve PCR at home.
However, this pre departure test is a waste of time.
I can see the benefit for stopping residents of other countries coming to the UK for a short time having a pre departure test. But a returning UK citizen with accommodation here and a place to isolate if their day2 PCR is +ve is silly. |
Nothing as pointless as doing well that which should not be done at all |
Exactly, off course, I'm referring to asymptomatic. Obviously if someone has symptoms then their travel insurance should cough up for isolation in the country where they are on holiday
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Anyone know what we are supposed to do if our pre-return test is positive on our 89th day in the Schengen zone? Can the French deport us across the channel despite the UK not letting us in?
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FAQ
