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These are the first mobile passenger test points for COVID-19 at Lithuanian airports.
Four types of tests
The paid tests will be carried out in temporary structures to be installed in prominent locations adjacent to the airport’s passenger terminals. The time of provision of the test services will be coordinated with the existing flight schedule, the test certificates will be issued not only in Lithuanian, but also in other foreign languages.
According to the Vilnius airport, the types of tests that will be carried out will be the following: PCR within 24 to 36 hours. (it will cost 90 euros), PCR in 1.5-3 hours. (140 euros), antigens in 20 min. (43 euros), antigens in 2 hours. (33 EUR).
The testing process is straightforward. All you have to do is register for the test online or by phone +370 632 22122, get to the test point 5 min. At the appointed time of the visit, prepare an identity document and a bank card for payment, take the test and you will receive a test response and a certificate.
The types of tests to be carried out will be the following: PCR in 24-36 hours. (it will cost 90 euros), PCR in 1.5-3 hours. (140 euros), antigens in 20 min. (43 euros), antigens in 2 hours. (33 EUR).
One tenth of the passengers remained
Dainius Čiuplys, Head of the Lithuanian Airport Operations and Infrastructure Department, stated that this test has been going on for some time, because the new reality is that to enter other countries, a negative test result is required.
“Aviation has been demonized for some time due to various cases. I think it is a way to eliminate this current gap: to ensure that all passengers traveling abroad are screened. He would be in town or at this point.
It is a requirement for some countries to have the test results very soon, so we will decide with this place ”, assured D. Čiuplys.
Photo by Julius Kalinskas / 15min / Dainius Čiuplys
Those returning to Lithuania can also take advantage of this test. According to D.Čiuplis, this is a step to restore interest in the flights themselves.
How long will such a service take? Said the director, not knowing how long it will take. “At the beginning of the pandemic, we thought it would last a short time, and a year has passed. Vaccination will probably change the situation, but vaccination must be accelerated,” said D. Čiuplys.
Those who have airline tickets will be able to take the test at the airport.
Last year, in January and February, there were around 900 thousand passengers at Vilnius airport, which is only around 90 thousand during the same period this year. – as D. Čiuplys says, one tenth remains.
VIDEO: Presentation of COVID-19 passenger testing services at airports
He mentioned that there are flights – Amsterdam, Istanbul, charter flights to Tenerife, etc. The number of flights is expected to increase in April, but it is difficult to plan, because everything changes every week.
Last year, in January and February, there were around 900 thousand passengers at Vilnius airport, which is only around 90 thousand during the same period this year.
50 people were examined Monday morning.
Daiva Kazlauskienė, director of Rezus.lt, president of the Association of Medical and Diagnostic Institutions, said that on Monday morning more than 50 people arrived who wanted to perform a rapid antigen test, people who need to perform this test four hours ago and they have. It has been difficult so far to find a place where they could do it very early in the morning.
“The lab will provide 24-hour services. We are adjusting to the flight schedule, but the flights are already running 24 hours, only at night, 1-3 hours, we will be able to relax a bit. People are happy because they don’t have to wander , you travel because you know you can get fast and convenient service near the airport.
Photo by Julius Kalinskas / 15min / Daiva Kazlauskienė
We already have more than 200 people registered ”, said D. Kazlauskienė.
According to her, it is currently estimated that she can serve 50 people per hour, to examine and issue certificates. There are two stages, you must first register by phone or online and then already study near the airport. The scope of the investigation may vary depending on the needs.
D. Kazlauskienė stated that his laboratory at the airport could also function as a mobile point, carry out tests for free, if only additional funding was provided from the Vilnius municipality. As arrivals are currently free to test at the city’s mobile point, passengers are not expected to do so here.
On Monday, all the investigated cases were negative. If the answer is yes, this person’s journey is over. So, according to D. Kazlauskienė, she will have to see a family doctor, but no matter how she returns home or somewhere, she could not answer, because it is the laboratory’s job to do the research, not to care. of the follow-up.
Photo by Julius Kalinskas / 15min / COVID-19 testing services for passengers
D. Čiuplys stated that the airport will not control how a person will be isolated either, there is a general procedure for that.
“The self-awareness of a person is appealed to, who after receiving a positive result, will go to the place of isolation and call a family doctor, either in his car, or calling a relative, etc.”, said D. Čiuplys .
Currently a team of four people is planned: two nurses and two registrars. D. Kazlauskiene made no secret that it was a challenge to find people working around the clock.
Negative tests are required
The need for test facilities at airports has been voiced not only by passengers but also by airlines. Currently, when traveling from Lithuania to many countries of the European Union (EU) or third parties, it is necessary to have at least 72 or 48 hours in advance. Confirmation of a negative result before arrival: In most cases, countries recognize not only PCR, but also rapid antigen test certificates.
Lithuania also requires a negative coronavirus test on arrival or immediately upon arrival.
Photo by Julius Kalinskas / 15min / COVID-19 testing services for passengers
The United States added an updated list of affected countries with stricter isolation conditions on Friday, and Spain and Portugal “dropped out” of the list. Significant change for carriers and others leaving Lithuania: the deadline for notification of departure has been changed; there is no provision to inform the NVSC upon knowledge of the departure from the country at least 24 hours in advance. before departure. These changes take effect on Monday, March 1.
The mildest isolation conditions will apply from Monday to those arriving from Spain and Portugal, and the strictest from the United States.
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