UK Test and Release Launched for International Arrivals

International travelers arriving in the UK will now be able to reduce their quarantine period to 5 days if they test negative for Covid-19

Yesterday, December 15, the UK's Test and Release system went live, allowing international arrivals to the UK to take a Covid-19 test after 5 days of quarantining. If the test returns negative for coronavirus, the individual is able to end their quarantine period early.

Previously, quarantine periods had been 14 days, although this was already recently reduced to 10 days. The new Test and Release system is optional, and those interested in participating will need to book a private Covid-19 test. The UK government has now launched a list of approved providers of Covid-19 tests for the purpose of Test and Release.

Explaining the new system's purpose, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said that "I'm determined that when people travel here from abroad everyone remains safe. The introduction of this day five Test to Release scheme is a helpful step in the right direction. It means less time in quarantine, but only in return for a negative COVID-19 test. Good news for those travelling and good news for the wider public too."

Travelers from the USA to the UK are being advised to pre-book tests before departing from the States. Tests can be taken a full five days after you've left the States.

For more details on Test and Release, go to www.gov.uk/government/news/test-to-release-for-international-travel-goes-live.

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