Covid-19 tests on arriving passengers could speed the relaxation of travel restrictions if a trial at a major UK airport proves successful.
The trial, to be undertaken by airport ground handler Swissport and management services firm Collinson Group, should begin next month at a so far unspecified airport.
The results of the PCR tests should be available within seven to 24 hours, meaning passengers arriving from countries subject to 14-day quarantine restrictions would only need to isolate until receiving a negative test result.
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Those testing positive would be required to self-isolate and report to the NHS test and trace service.
Collinson and Swissport say the ‘test on arrival’ system is ready to be trialed, subject to sign-off by the government.
The tests should detect asymptomatic infections, with tests carried out at Collinson’s own biotech labs.
Swissport and Collinson argue the system is “perfect for airports and other major transport hubs that facilitate cross-border travel in regions where quarantine restrictions exist”.
The companies are seeking government backing for the trial and exemption from quarantine restrictions for passengers who test negative.
The test-on-arrival trial would involve hundreds of volunteer passenger tests a day.
Nurses would need to carry out the tests, which require throat and nose swabs and can be difficult to complete successfully.
The trial will also involve a saliva test, according to a The Times report. This is easier and quicker to administer and is currently undergoing a separate government trial.
Collinson global medical director Simon Worrell said: “Clearly this needs government buy-in, but we think this will be an excellent way to get people flying again.
“It will enable those who don’t need to quarantine to go about their business.”
Swissport chief executive for Western Europe Jason Holt said the businesses had come together “with an intelligent way to assist the government, not to remove the quarantine but to complement it.
“The odds are that 95 per cent of the travelling public will be Covid-free and we’re seeking an exemption from the government for those people.”
Holt accused the government of “being asleep at the wheel” last month when he appeared before the transport select committee of MPs.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, welcomed the trial, saying: “Voluntary testing on arrival offers another string to the bow as we look to restart operations – assuming results will be available quickly, are accurate and provided at scale.”
The trial tests will be free, but there is a question mark over who will pay if the tests are rolled out airport-wide.
Passengers must pay for similar tests available at some airports around the world.
Airline association Iata has called for governments to pick up the bill for testing passengers at airports. But this could be seen as a taxpayer subsidy of overseas travel and tourism.
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