Amazon has launched PCR test kits for £34.99 which can be used by travellers arriving in the UK.
The kits come with a pre-paid return label for sending the test swab back to Amazon’s diagnostics laboratory in Salford, which the retailer set up last year to process tests for employees.
According to The Guardian the government-approved tests, which will be valid for the UK’s day-two, day-eight and “test-to-release” arrivals programmes, cost £34.99 each but will also be offered in discounted bundles.
Amazon’s international arrivals service could be launched and listed on the government’s approved list of suppliers as soon as this week.
The Government reintroduced PCR tests for travellers coming into the UK following the discovery of the Omicron variant which is thought to be more transmissible than previous variants.
Travellers now have to self-isolate when they enter the UK until they receive a negative result as a result of the latest restrictions.
In reports from City A.M. Antoine Dreyfus, Amazon’s director heading its UK testing work, spoke on the introduction of the PCR test kits.
He said: “Widespread access to reliable and affordable Covid-19 testing remains a critical tool in the fight against the spread of the virus."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here