After the changes in October, the news of the new ‘Omicron’ variant comes as a blow to all of us, especially so near to the Festive Season.  While we wait for Scientists across the world to find out more about how serious the variant may or may not be, we’ve received news from the Government today about what happens next regarding travel into the UK.

Previously, these guidelines just applied to England, with the other home nations taking their own approaches.  Now it appears as if the other home nations are joining England to take these ‘precautionary and temporary measures’ until we know more about Omicron.

Let’s hope that the Scientists are able to understand the new variant quickly and that measures we will all be taking are sufficient in slowing the spread of this new variant.

What happens now? 

We have these guidelines:

• If you are a contact of a suspected Omicron case, you must self-test for 7 days if you are vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated you will need to self-isolate for 10 days.  You will be contacted by Test and Trace.
• Face coverings will be mandatory in shops and on public transport.  Hospitality settings are exempt.
• From Tuesday 7 December 2022, everyone will need to do a PCR or Lateral Flow test within 48 hours of your planned travel date in the UK from abroad.
• Anyone arriving from abroad into the UK will need to self isolate until you get a negative result from a Day 2 PCR test.  If it is positive, you will need to self isolate until they test negative.
• In order to enter large events, sports matches and nightclubs, adults in England must show a ‘Covid Pass’ or a negative Covid test.

What do I need to do before I travel?

From the UK (Pre-Departure):

If you need ‘Fit to Travel’ tests, you can book your Pre-Departure Tests here

Back into the UK from abroad (Pre-Arrival):

From Tuesday 7 December, everyone (vaccinated, partially and un-vaccinated) must take a PCR or Lateral Flow Test before they arrive back in the UK from abroad.  This must be done within 48 hours of your planned travel date.

We are able to offer you Lateral Flow Test at £39 which you can take with you, so you can do the test along with our verification service.  Click here to book your Pre-Arrival Test.

What do I need to do after I arrive in the UK?

If you are Vaccinated:

• A PCR test will be mandatory for everyone on return to the UK.  Whereas a lateral flow test was sufficient for fully vaccinated people before Omicron, a PCR test will be able to identify the variant from positive tests. 
• You can book your Day 2 test here

If you are Partially or Unvaccinated:

• You still need a Day 2 and a Day 8 test and to isolate for 10 days.
• You still need a Pre-Departure Test before you come home
• Book your Day 2 & Day 8 tests here

These tests need to be purchased before you travel.  You can make an appointment at our Truro Clinic in Cornwall or do your PCR test at home. Book your Day 2 test here.

Don’t forget to complete your Passenger Locator Forms before returning to the UK.

What about ‘Red’ Countries?

The Government has now removed all countries from the ‘Red’ list. Guidance above now applies to returners from all countries.

We’ll continue to keep you up to date.  Keep an eye on our socials where we’ll be sharing news and updates.

Photo by Bao Menglong on Unsplash