[ad_1]
The first Covid-19 test centers at Ireland’s airport opened today in Cork and Shannon, raising some hope of traveling before Christmas.
Here’s how they work, how much they cost, and what to expect next.
Where can I get the new airport tests done?
Covid-19 testing facilities are already operational at Cork and Shannon airports. Drive-thru testing facilities are operated by the Irish healthcare company RocDoc, and can be booked by setting up an account at covidcheck.ie.
What do the tests entail?
A healthcare worker will collect a swab sample from your nose or throat, and these will be sent to the lab on site. Results are available in a period of time ranging from a few hours to a few days, depending on the price you pay.
The tests use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) technology. Both are molecular tests designed to detect a current infection.
Are they only for air travelers?
No. “Our goal is to provide testing for passengers flying in and out of airports, but our facilities are also open to members of the public who wish to test or do local business,” says David Rock, CEO of RocDoc.
Close
Tester Samantha Jakstonyte photographed at a RocDoc drive-thru Covid-19 test center at Cork Airport. Photo: Daragh Mc Sweeney / Provision
How much they cost?
Prices include € 149 for same day results or € 199 for a ‘quick test’ with results in a few hours. A slower option, which gives results in 1-3 business days, costs € 129.
What?
Yes, they are expensive.
Even at the low fare of € 149, private tests will add considerably to the cost of any trip. And remember, depending on the destination, you may need a test both before departure and before returning.
For a family of four making a return trip, that could add up to a whopping € 1,192.
“PCR tests should be widely available, but at a cost of £ 120 to £ 150 per test it is prohibitive,” Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said at this week’s World Travel Market virtual conference.
Subsidization of the tests has been suggested, but seems unlikely. The government is well aware of putting additional pressure on the healthcare system and, for now, has only allowed travel tests on a “user pays” basis.
Where else can I get private tests?
RocDoc also has a drive-thru test center in Ashbourne, Co Meath, and plans another regional test facility.
Other private options include Vida Care (€ 190; vidacare.ie), which recently partnered with the Carlton Dublin Airport Hotel to offer a ‘Test & Rest’ package that includes a B&B and a PCR test from € 249, and the Tropical Medical Bureau (€ 180; tmb.ie).
The competition may see lower-cost alternatives in the coming months, and we can also see that airlines or tour operators include testing as part of packages, as United Airlines has done with rapid antigen testing before flights, for example.
What is the difference between PCR and antigen testing?
Both are swab tests that diagnose an active infection. Where PCR tests detect the virus Genetic material, however, antigen tests detect specific proteins from it.
Antigen tests are faster (with results in as little as 15 to 30 minutes) and generally very accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negative results. They are not as sensitive as molecular tests.
PCR tests are slower, but are considered the “gold standard”. This week, the Irish government agreed that, for the time being, only PCR test results will be acceptable for travel (i.e. not antigen tests).
What about testing at Dublin airport?
The DAA has said it could provide thousands of tests daily in Cork and Dublin, but it was delayed while it waited for a planning permit exemption. That is now being granted. Testing could begin next week.
Close
ECDC Combined Indicator Map as of November 12, 2020.
Remind me why all this is happening?
Ireland has subscribed to the EU’s ‘traffic light’ system for travel, which classifies regions as ‘red’, ‘orange’, ‘green’ or ‘gray’ based on weekly Covid incidence maps compiled by the European Center for Prevention and control of diseases. (ECDC).
You can catch up on a full explanation of the traffic light system here.
Starting this week, passengers arriving from ‘orange’ countries do not have to restrict their movements for 14 days if they carry proof of a negative PCR test result obtained in the previous three days.
As of November 29, travelers from the ‘red’ regions and countries outside the EU will be able to stop restricting their movements if they obtain a negative PCR test result at least five days after arrival.
Increasingly, other countries are also demanding negative PCR test results: Spain plans to introduce this for travelers from ‘at risk’ regions (including Ireland) starting November 23, for example.
It follows the collapse of international travel during the pandemic and desperate lobbying by the aviation and tourism industries for a trial regime to help reboot consumer confidence.
Does this mean we can fly home for Christmas?
It’s possible, but it’s too early to say for sure.
Greater acceptability of the tests, especially for those from ‘orange’ countries, could facilitate travel. Aer Lingus and Ryanair have kept flights available during the Christmas season and could add capacity if there is sufficient demand.
However, Ireland remains at level 5 and a wave of coronavirus has turned almost all of Europe “red”. Today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar advised people not to book flights home just yet for the holiday season.
It all depends on the infection rates in the coming weeks.
What restrictions do other countries have?
Travel between ‘green’ regions has no restrictions, but countries have different quarantine and testing restrictions for ‘orange’ and ‘red’ countries. You can view them on the EU Reopen-EU website.
Online editors
[ad_2]