Now that mandatory PCR testing is back, regardless of vaccination status, travelling in and out of the country has become more cumbersome and not to mention a lot more expensive.
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With the new rules, all vaccinated individuals have to take a COVID-19 test a maximum of two days before arrival in the UK and they will have to get a PCR test on day 2 after arrival as well. Unvaccinated travellers have to comply with the same measures, along with an additional PCR test that must be taken on day 8.
Amazon to the rescue?
To give British travellers better access to cheaper PCR tests, Amazon has decided to start selling their own low-cost tests in the UK. According to The Guardian, Brits will now be able to buy individual PCR tests on the website, as well as discounted travel packages and bundles, which they can do at home.
The company’s director of EU COVID testing, Antoine Dreyfus said:
Widespread access to reliable and affordable COVID-19 testing remains a critical tool in the fight against the spread of the virus.
The Amazon test collection kit offers customers the convenience they’ve come to expect from Amazon.co.uk by providing access to highly accurate COVID-19 testing, at an affordable price.
Budget PCR tests
An individual PCR test is priced at £34.99, a package of two tests at £63.98, and a bundle of three is selling for £95.97. The company stated in their blog, that the tests will be processed at an ‘in-house’ laboratory situated in Salford and customers will be able to get their results in 24 hours. They added:
…the tests used by Amazon meet the requirements for use as set out by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Amazon is listed with the DHSC as a general COVID-19 testing provider.
As of now, the government has not officially added Amazon to their list of providers, but The Guardian states that it could happen ‘as early as today (14 December).’
