- Location
- Deep South of Cambridgeshire
So everyone arriving in the UK will be asked to take a PCR test for Covid-19 on the second day? So the cheaper LFT option is no longer acceptable... I wonder when this kicks in?
NWR new zero tolerance covid thread
- Thread starter Tom Cannavan
- Start date
- Location
- Tarija, Bolivia
I fly back on Thursday and have assumed it will kick in before then. Just cancelled my LFT and ordered a PCR.
I figured that there will be a rush on PCR tests, so get in before anyone else does.
Tom Cannavan
Administrator
Well, £40 wasted on 2 LF tests that will arrive on Monday, now 2 PCR self tests ordered because the Randox site for booking a testing appointment in Glasgow was timing out all afternoon and site crashed. Will the PCRs arrive in time? 4 - 6 working days they say, and there are 5 until I fly...
- Location
- Deep South of Cambridgeshire
Where are you now, Tom? Still overseas, I presume. You need them 2 days after you land, right? So plenty of time? You'll get the reference required for your Passenger Location Form immediately, right?
Tom Cannavan
Administrator
Hi Alex, still in blighty. We don't leave until next weekend, but problem is we arrive back late Saturday 18th, probably no deliveries Sunday 19th so would have to try to get the test on Monday 20th which is Christmas week. So I wanted to have the tests here before we go. I have the Passenger Locator reference numbers from the new PCR tests ordered this evening, but will they actually arrive before we go? There's nobody to receive them if they arrive after we've left, and as they are quoting delivery in 4 - 6 business days, it's all a bit fraught: we only have five business days left....
Randox has a testing centre in Glasgow, but I spent 2 hours trying to book an appointment for the 20th - just a white screen them timeout errors time after time, then I think their web site crashed completely....
- Location
- Dorset, England
We had deliberately deferred booking a Eurotunnel crossing for next month. Now, our instinct is to not travel for Christmas, In order to avoid the risk of a red status quarantine, despite having the flexibility to extend our stay. Moreover, the French government may Ned to change their rules.
There is too much uncertainty, currently.
There is too much uncertainty, currently.
- Location
- Bordeaux
I think I’d rather be stranded here Mark. 
- Location
- Europe
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/27/boris-johnson-ignored-my-plan-to-tackle-deadly-covid-variants-senior-official
A concern.
On the other hand Dix is moderately reassuring about Omicron, and about cellular immunity.
A concern.
On the other hand Dix is moderately reassuring about Omicron, and about cellular immunity.
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Israel closes borders to all foreigners over Omicron
Israel is to close its borders to all foreigners later Sunday in a bid to stem the spread of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus, authorities said.
www.france24.com
Last time I ordered a day 2 test for returning to Scotland it didn't arrive until I had been home for 7 days and so I didn't get a result until day 10.
No-one came asking any questions, I didn't even get a phone call from track and trace (although I traveled regularly all through lockdown so they might have on their records that they have already checked up on me a dozen times).
As long as you have the reference for your PLF I don't think you will get any hassle.
- Location
- Lanark
We ordered PCR tests last night, qured are doing a black friday code of BF20 to get 20% off. Last time we used qured, the tests were sitting in our pile of mail when we returned. They easily fit through a letterbox. As Tim says above I think it will all work out fine.
- Location
- London
They completely bollocksed my first lot. Changing delivery dates until completely cancelling them altogether. They seemed surprised when I insisted they sent me some.
The second time, perfect and delivered through the letterbox before I left.
- Location
- Dorset, England
Good point.I think I’d rather be stranded here Mark.
Russell, you're not hampered by the 90/180 rule. Our priority is to be able to make a trip to Mythos Mosel in June & then onto Le Tour in July. To paraphrase Rick in Casablanca 'the problems of two little people don't amount to a hill of beans', but all the same........
- Location
- Bordeaux
Ah
Good point.
Good point.
Tom Cannavan
Administrator
Thanks for the reassuring words guys.
- Location
- London, Europe
We are planning to head over to Northern France on the 20th for 10 days..... if the PCR plans stay as now we will go ahead.... but right now given the, erm, suboptimal state of relations between France and UK govts we are expecting changes to happen....
The frustrating thing about this (and I appreciate we dont have full facts on the new variant) is that we are only as strong as the weakest country.
- Location
- London
Still the question remains whether this new variant is severe or only generates mild COVID. I suppose it will take a bit of time to know for sure.
- Location
- London
Good article on Omicron
This in particular stuck out to me:
This in particular stuck out to me:
- Location
- Northwich
About to return home from Finland. The timing of switch from LFT to PCR means that the LFT test ordered last week is still acceptable so fingers crossed they deliver it. Already seeing the policy of demanding a check of COVID vaccine proof every time I entered a bar in Helsinki which was encouraging.
Suspect I am one of the lucky. A friend failed to get on the KLM flights out of Joburg so has decided to just stay an extra month and get his meds via the private medicine folk in SA and some more clothes from Woolworths. At least food and wine will not break the bank.
Looking at the debate on Omicron, there seens to be as many saying SA being picked on as those continuing to refuse the vax. Sadly my ex-wife and pregnant daughter seem to be in latter camp. It is a rum old place out there.
Suspect I am one of the lucky. A friend failed to get on the KLM flights out of Joburg so has decided to just stay an extra month and get his meds via the private medicine folk in SA and some more clothes from Woolworths. At least food and wine will not break the bank.
Looking at the debate on Omicron, there seens to be as many saying SA being picked on as those continuing to refuse the vax. Sadly my ex-wife and pregnant daughter seem to be in latter camp. It is a rum old place out there.
- Location
- Manchester
The simile is not perfect, but better than you make out. Buying time also gives us more chance of getting new vaccines if necessary, and identifying symptoms to look out for and how it is transmitted
- Location
- England
A friend arrived back from SA via dubai yesterday, Self identified himself to customs as such and was waived through Heathrow without any issues…
Japan to bar all new foreign visitors as omicron fears grow
The measures close the border to business travelers, foreign students and foreign interns starting Tuesday but it does not affect re-entry for Japanese nationals and foreign residents.
More countries to shut borders.
- Location
- UK
I’m not entirely sure why they keep doing the same thing over and over again when it’s proven not to work. If Omicron is more transmissible than Delta then it will become the dominant strain almost everywhere whether we like it or not.
The South African doctors seem to be suggesting it could be milder than Delta, and if that proves to be the case then it’s great news. Still need more data on that of course but the fear mongering & pointless measures begin immediately regardless.
The South African doctors seem to be suggesting it could be milder than Delta, and if that proves to be the case then it’s great news. Still need more data on that of course but the fear mongering & pointless measures begin immediately regardless.
- Location
- Dorset, England
Damned if they do, damned if they don’t?
- Location
- Deep South of Cambridgeshire
Can't you have it sent to a neighbour?