Stay safe at home and abroad with a Covid Rapid Antigen Test in Edinburgh
Looking to leave the house more often? Jetting off on a business trip or family holiday? Newington Pharmacy are here to keep you safe, wherever you go. Alongside our free bi-weekly tests, we are now offering a Covid Rapid Antigen Test in Edinburgh including a Fit to Fly Certificate. This will provide you with a cheaper, faster ticket to eligible destinations, so that you can save money to spend on your trip!
Why do I need a Lateral Flow Test?
If you are looking to stay safe closer to home, Lateral Flow Testing is designed to detect an active Covid infection. Primarily, the test is used to identify those who may not be outwardly displaying Covid symptoms, but who may still be spreading the virus. In identifying further positive Covid cases in the community, we can prevent it from spreading. Therefore, regular testing has been incorporated within the Government’s Covid-19 roadmap.
The scheme has been established to offer reassurance to those beginning to leave their house more often. This includes doing so for purposes such as shopping, going to pubs and restaurants and visiting family members outside. We have included the video above to explain the importance of regular testing.
How can I travel using a Rapid Antigen Test in Edinburgh?
If you are looking to stay safe on your travels to destinations such as the USA, Germany, Italy and France – we can offer you the opportunity to jet off with a cheaper and faster travel test. However, unlike when they are used for regular testing, this test must be done by a Pharmacist to be eligible for Fit to Fly.
Essentially, the test involves taking a swab sample from your tonsils (or in the area your tonsils would have been). We will then take a swab of one of your nostrils. You will receive your results within 30 minutes. This will give you the peace of mind you need to go about your day, whilst still adhering to current government guidelines. If yourself, or anyone within your household receives a positive result, you should follow current guidance with regards to self-isolating.
Please note, we recommend that you check with your airline and destination country to ensure that rapid antigen tests are accepted. Moreover, you must take an antigen test before you return to the UK to avoid a £200 fine.
Further advice can be found within the Foreign Travel Advice section on the Government website.
What if my destination doesn’t accept a Lateral Flow Test?
We also offer the opportunity to jet off using a PCR test. This test is accepted by a multitude of countries as proof of a negative result. You also require PCR testing upon return to the UK from countries on the red, amber and green lists. You can find more information in our latest blog post.
If you are travelling to the aforementioned countries – don’t delay:
Book in for your Lateral Flow Test to save money for what’s important – enjoying your holiday!
This blog post was written on behalf of Newington Pharmacy by Carla Moore from Pharmacy Mentor.