Heathrow Implements New Covid-19 Testing Option

A new set of pre-departure rapid testing facilities has been launched at Heathrow. They will be run by Collinson and Swissport.

The testing facilities, a UK first, are described by officials at the airport as a critical step in the recovery of the aviation sector, restoring traveller confidence and re-opening routes from the UK to the rest of the world.

The facilities, located in Terminals 2 and 5, will initially offer passengers travelling to Hong Kong and Italy the option to fulfil those countries’ pre-departure testing requirements at the airport before they fly.

These countries currently require passengers to provide evidence of a negative Covid-19 test prior to departure, but allow for testing technologies that can deliver fast results.

These tests, including Lamp and Antigen tests, can easily be administered pre-flight at the airport.

These tests differ from RT-PCR, which a growing number of countries and territories around the world, including Cyprus, Greece, Bahamas, and Bermuda now require to be shown at check-in.

Unlike RT-PCR tests, Lamp and Antigen tests can be processed quickly and without being sent to a laboratory. However, they are viewed as less accurate than the more sensitive RT-PCR option.

Heathrow chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, said: “Many other countries are already using testing to keep their borders safe while restarting trade and travel.