Boots UK has launched an at-home Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test — priced at £65 — ahead of travel restrictions easing over the next few weeks.
The tests will be available to buy from over 500 stores across the UK as well as online, with next day delivery available, the multiple said.
Boots Advantage Card holders can also purchase the test using their points, it added.
This will be the third Covid-19 testing service the company has launched, with an in-store £99 Covid-19 PCR testing service and a £79.99 rapid antigen testing service already available.
In addition to its private testing services — and along with 90% of pharmacies across the country — Boots now also offers free, rapid lateral flow tests (LFTs) at over 1,700 pharmacies in England as part of the Government’s Pharmacy Collect service.
Asif Aziz, director of Healthcare Services at Boots UK, said: ‘Now that holidaymakers can start planning a summer holiday abroad, we look forward to helping them stay safe when travelling.
‘With a negative Covid-19 test result becoming the norm for international travel, we have increased our testing services to make them even more accessible for customers.’
He added: ‘Regular testing is also really important for everyone as we move out of lockdown, which is why we are proudly supporting the government to offer free, rapid tests at our pharmacies in England through the Pharmacy Collect scheme.’
Last week, (7 May) Grant Shapps, transport secretary, announced that the ban on non-essential international travel will be removed on the 17 May and will be replaced with a traffic light system, which means it will no longer be illegal to travel abroad for leisure.
However, people visiting and returning from 'red' listed countries will have to quarantine in a specified hotel for 10 days. While others, who are returning from 'amber' countries will be expected to quarantine at home alongside stringent testing.
People visiting 'green' listed countries will still have to take a pre-departure test up to 72 hours before their return travel, and a single PCR test on or before day two of arrival into England.
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