Pictured: Teesside airport staff member Joe Hodson being tested for Covid-19 by clinician Anne Nkemdilim at the airport’s new testing service
Teesside airport has today (December 18) launched a Covid-19 testing service to give passengers ‘peace of mind’ and potentially reduce the need to self-isolate.
The airport has partnered with Recovery4Life, a local firm that offers Covid-19 testing, as well as addiction and mental health services.
It claims to be the most competitively priced airport testing site in the northeast and Yorkshire, with tests starting at £42 and further discounts for passengers.
Passengers can book online for the new testing facility, which will operate during the airport’s usual opening hours.
They can then arrive at the airport for their test with a clinician and have the results emailed to them.
Four tests are available – to detect the presence of the Covid-19 virus; a rapid test to detect infectious virus fragments; a rapid test for antibodies generated after exposure to coronavirus; and a combination rapid test.
Rapid test results will be sent an hour after testing. The private lab-based Covid-19 detection test results will come between 24 and 48 hours after testing.
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Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “This testing offer is another step to keeping people across our region safe, and to make sure that people have access to the tests they need to meet the government’s requirements in reducing self-isolation.
“It means that people can be confident of getting back to work sooner or meeting loved ones without risk, albeit while observing the latest guidance.
“As we begin work to reintroduce our full schedule of flights, including our services to Heathrow and Schiphol once again providing worldwide connectivity, passengers need every confidence they are fit and well when travelling to and from the region.
“I’m pleased to be working with Recovery4Life so that local people flying from our airport can get the peace of mind they need.”
John Devitt, chief executive of Recovery4Life, added: “The airport will provide a central hub for passengers and businesses across the region, and we’re thrilled to be getting up and running to offer instant testing for those who would like it.”
Those coming to the UK must self-isolate for 10 days after returning from destinations not currently on the approved travel corridor list.
The government’s new test to release scheme will allow people to end their self-isolation if they take a test after five days of returning to the UK and it comes back negative.