Southend airport has become the latest airport to offer private Covid-19 tests in an onsite test centre run in collaboration with Prenetics and Acacium Group.
However, the airport falls within the area covered by new Tier 4 restrictions, meaning residents must stay at home where possible and international travel is banned unless for essential purposes.
In a statement issued on Friday, the airport said the tests would be offered on a non-profit basis for customers, with passengers paying £105 and non-passengers £125. In addition to the current tests, the airport said it was also reviewing LAMP testing and antigen testing “in line with latest government guidance”.
The price includes onsite testing by qualified clinicians, transfer on the same day to a laboratory in Norwich, results and certification.
Speaking before the Tier 4 announcement, Glyn Jones, the airport’s chief executive, said: “We have seen a surge in bookings and have received several queries regarding PCR testing onsite.
“With certificates required for many destinations and the opportunity to reduce quarantine time when arriving to the UK, we anticipate the test facility will be well received.”
Prenetics is one of a number of testing providers authorised by the government as part of its test to release scheme.
Avi Lasarow, chief executive of Prenetics UK, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Acacium Group and London Southend airport on this important contribution to securing air corridors for our people and helping our country back to work and play.”
Mike Barnard, chief executive of Acacium Group, added: “We’re proud to be working with our friends at Prenetics once again to deliver on-site Covid testing solutions. Our partnership with London Southend airport will enable individuals to travel abroad safely and support the wider local community.”