Shapps backs use of cheap supermarket lateral flow tests
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says travellers returning from overseas should be able to use low cost lateral flow kits available at supermarkets.
H wants to relax the rules in time for the October half-term holidays and the £5 tests potentially save families hundreds compared to the current rules.
Although not sanctioned yet, he hopes cheap supermarket kits will be authorised rather than supervised lateral flow testing at a cost of about £30.
"I look forward to the expansion of lateral flow tests perhaps into supermarkets and elsewhere as we as we get onto the point where people can buy those returning from holiday," Shapps said.
"Remember with PCR tests you didn’t have to be supervised. You had to get that PCR test in advance, you had to record the fact that you ordered it, but you were then trusted to get on and do it."
Currently returning travellers have to take a Day 2 PCR test which costs about £100.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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