Covid Testing

[Peter47]

It's been touched on elsewhere but perhaps the topic of covid testing requires a thread to itself. In particular:

How do covid testing requirements vary between countries?

How much does it cost the passenger? And are the amounts charged proportionate?

How are airlines helping passengers? (I think that TUI mentioned a £20 deal.)

Is the cost likely to come down over time as providers find cheaper ways of doing it?

And for anyone with access to a crystal ball, how long will Governments think it necessary to continue tests for the fully vaccinated? I think that there may be too many unknowns such as the emergence of a new variable to answer that.

[PAXboy]

Watchdog launches new crackdown on PCR test firms
BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58439049)
The Competition and Markets Authority said it had opened a probe into one firm, Expert Medicals, following complaints Covid test results had not been provided on time or at all. It warned a further 19 firms about advertising misleading prices.

It comes after a review that found customers often faced poor service, hidden fees and refund issues.

[nuisance79]

If testing requirements continue (im sure they probably will) one of the best things that can happen is that Rapid Antigen tests are approved for travel everywhere.

i would also suggests that PCR saliva tests (as opposed to nasal swab)are made more widely available.

[PAXboy]

Tour operators and travel firms predicted to provide customers with free antigen and PCR tests in a bid to rebuild consumer confidence
The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/sep/08/travel-industry-likely-to-offer-uk-holidaymakers-free-covid-tests)