Cardiff Airport has opened a coronavirus testing centre for passengers to get tested ahead of their flight as international travel prepares to re-open.
Working with Nuffield Health, the testing centre at the airport will be used by customers travelling through the airport but will also be available for members of the public who want to take a test for non-travel related purposes.
Currently, under coronavirus restrictions, you are only permitted to travel abroad for a very limited number of reasons - including work, education, medical or compassionate grounds.
However, people could be able to travel abroad from as early as next month as the UK government proceeds with its plan for opening up international travel this summer.
Despite the UK Government pressing on with plans for travel to resume on May 17, First Minister Mark Drakeford has been critical of this.
Although the Welsh Government has responsibility for most of the rules and regulations which affect daily lives in Wales, in practice, the governments in Wales and Westminster have overlapping responsibilities which will determine how practical foreign travel is.
As foreign affairs are largely not devolved and the UK's biggest airports are in England, decisions made by the UK Government and its relationships with the governments in popular holiday destinations will play the biggest role in shaping what holidays will look like this year.
On Thursday the airport confirmed the new testing facility is now open, and as well as outbound travel, passengers flying into Cardiff Airport can also use the service to book Covid-19 tests to meet their arrival and quarantine requirements.
The testing centre, located in the arrivals hall of the terminal, offers PCR tests with results available in four or 48 hours and Lateral Flow Antigen tests with results in one hour, with all tests analysed at an on-site laboratory.
All tests required for international travel are also available, and customers can book via the Nuffield Health online booking portal.
Ceri Mashlan, Director of Operations at Cardiff Airport said: “The safety and security of our team and customers is our number one priority, and we’re pleased to partner with Nuffield Health to offer our customers and the general public a convenient COVID-19 testing service located at the airport.
"As an approved private screening provider, customers can be assured that all tests offered by Nuffield Health are highly accurate and meet the required standards for international travel.
“Testing will be a key factor in travel for the foreseeable future, and as we prepare to welcome more passengers to the Airport, it is important that we can provide this facility to enable customers to easily access COVID-19 testing services before they fly.”
Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Nuffield Health's Medical and Charity Director, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic our hospitals in Wales, England and Scotland have been supporting the NHS, caring for over 285,000 NHS patients across the UK.
"We are pleased to be able to utilise our clinical expertise at Cardiff Airport’s new COVID-19 testing service to provide reassurance to people who need to travel and for those who want to take a test for non-travel purposes.
“Our testing service offers rapid testing – through both PCR and Lateral Flow Antigen tests – which provides fast results within hours and a standard PCR test for those who can wait for 48 hours. Our purpose is to support the nation’s health as we move through the COVID-19 pandemic and we welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the Cardiff Airport team.”
The testing facility is now open for customers travelling for essential purposes, as well as members of the public who would like to take a test for peace of mind. A number of robust safety measures are also in place across the Airport to help customers travel with confidence, including social distancing, enhanced cleaning, and clear guidance throughout the terminal.
For more information visit https://www.cardiff-airport.com/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-latest-advice/ or book direct at https://shop.nuffieldhealth.com/cardiff-airport-covid-19-tests
