NEWS
The benefits of the test to release scheme have been dismissed as ‘marginal’ due to cost, UK variations and a shorter quarantine regime
‘Shambolic’ start to test to release as providers removed
Ian Taylor
The launch of ‘test to release’ in England on Tuesday was dismissed as “shambolic” as some test providers were immediately removed from a government- approved list and others were unable to perform tests. However, the reduction
of quarantine to 10 days from Monday “diminished the benefit” of the scheme, according to industry sources. The government published
that tests have a minimum sensitivity of 97%. Passengers wishing to pay for a
STORY TOP
a list of 11 approved Covid-test providers on Monday evening. Two were removed by Tuesday morning and two others added. Advertised prices start from £89
plus VAT and rise to £150, but £120 is most common. Some providers offer test facilities on site, others rely on couriers or the post. But none promise a result in less than 24 hours, a consequence of the requirement
travelweekly.co.uk
test are required to book and pay before flying to the UK, adding details of the booking to their passenger locator form submitted on arrival. A negative test after five days’ self-isolation allows an early release from quarantine – most likely after seven days. An aviation industry
source said: “Day one has not inspired confidence. It’s
fairly shambolic.” A senior airline source told Travel
Weekly: “It’s confusing with England, Wales, Scotland not aligned, but the 10-day quarantine is welcome and that is consistent across the UK. If anything, the 10-day quarantine diminishes the return for consumers. The benefit has become marginal.” The source added: “We hadn’t even
got to the point where we established the demand [for test to release].”
A testing regime
isn’t going to unlock a great deal. FCDO advice means people can’t travel anyway
Tui UK commercial director
Richard Sofer said the scheme “is not really going to help holidaymakers”. He told a Travel Weekly Insight
Report launch event: “A testing regime isn’t going to unlock a great deal. FCDO advice means people can’t travel to destinations anyway. Unless there is a change in the advice, test to release won’t change a great deal.” However, Sofer revealed: “We’ve
been working closely with test and airport partners. That is where a lot of the [testing] service provision can be.” Alan Bowen, legal advisor to the
Association of Atol Companies, noted the scheme may only appeal
to high-value customers, saying: “A family of four is expected to pay £400 minimum for tests and to provide details on arrival, so you can’t just say you’re going to do it.” Barrhead Travel president
Jacqueline Dobson said: “Testing needs to be more affordable [and] the devolved administrations must get in line. The fragmented approach is damaging.” She added: “I’m not sure people
will want to pay for a test on return.” Tim Alderslade, chief executive
of Airlines UK, said: “Most large carriers have commercial arrangements with testing providers, so [booking a test] should be fairly seamless, much like hiring a car.” He insisted: “The Global Travel
Taskforce put us ahead of most countries in terms of test and release. It’s what the industry called for.” But he added: “As quickly as possible in the new year, we need a system whereby we remove quarantine.”
17 DECEMBER 2020 5
PICTURES: Shutterstock
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