New airport testing service opens

The testing service is in the arrivals building at the airport, next to the arrivals testing – not at the former airport drive-through. The new testing service will provide up to 300 additional appointments per day. 

Islanders who receive an appointment for a PCR test at the new airport testing service will be able to park in a free 30-minute short stay carpark next to the arrivals building, where they will be directed to the testing area in the arrivals hall. Islanders are asked to be prompt to ensure testing appointments run on time and to avoid being charged for parking. 

Additional testing booths at airport arrivals will separate arriving passengers and those attending for a community PCR test. Waiting times for arriving passengers will not be affected.

Islanders attending for a PCR test are required to wear a mask and to keep their distance from other people. Islanders should also have their QR code ready before entering the building.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: “The new testing service will provide up to 300 additional appointments every day for Islanders who need a PCR test. I am pleased we will be able to provide these additional tests at a time when we are seeing increased demand as cases rise.

“I would like to thank the teams involved who continually work flexibly to ensure testing demand is met when it’s needed the most.

“I would like to remind all Islanders of the importance of testing for COVID-19 to mitigate the risk of spread of infection. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should book a test online, and anyone who receives a positive LFT should submit their results online and book a PCR test. Anyone who submits a positive LFT result online, which is then confirmed by a PCR test, will start their 10-day isolation period from the point their positive LFT test was submitted. 

“To help reduce delays with PCR test appointments, I urge Islanders to keep to their original appointment time for their PCR test, as this allows the service to test people as quickly as possible."

Anyone who is unable to attend their appointment and wants to rearrange it should call the Coronavirus helpline on 0800 735 5566.