Passengers flying from London Heathrow to Hong Kong will be able to have a rapid Covid-19 test at the airport before checking in, after the UK’s first pre-departure facility opened on Tuesday.
The tests, which must be pre-booked, cost £80 and results will be available within an hour.
Although a very limited number of passengers are expected to use the facility this week, the move is regarded as a significant breakthrough in demonstrating the possibility of clearing passengers as fit to fly before travel and potentially ending quarantine rules.
However, the first day of operation also highlighted the hurdles to be overcome, as Italy, expected to be part of the launch, declined to recognise the tests on offer at the new facility at Heathrow.
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