Covid testing moves from port to port

Monday 14 February 2022

The covid testing centre currently located at Elizabeth Terminal has now moved to the Airport.

The Government said today's change formed part of its 'De-escalation Plan' and would allow the harbour to operate as normal once more.

Islanders who booked a PCR test prior to the change are being asked to attend the airport drive-through on the same day and time as advised.

Additional changes have also been made to the LFT programme, with negative results no longer required to be uploaded online unless it relates to leaving isolation early. Positive LFT results must still be registered to book a confirmatory PCR test.

Pictured: The drive-in covid testing centre at Elizabeth Terminal has now moved to the airport.

Those travelling to the airport drive-through for a PCR test are expected to arrange private transport to minimise the risk of spreading covid. It is also still advised that people experiencing covid symptoms not go to work or school.

Ministers' current De-escalation Plan would see all covid regulations and orders removed by 31 March 2022. Laws enabling covid restrictions will remain in place until August, although they are not planned to be used from April onwards.

Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf said: “The harbour testing centre will be relocating to the airport drive-through as we scale down on numerous covid-19 measures,” said the Minister. “This will allow the Elizabeth Harbour Terminal to return to normal as we expect travel to increase over the spring and summer.”

 “De-escalation of measures is only possible due to the island’s excellent vaccination coverage and the efforts by Islanders to ensure they have a negative covid status before leaving home.” 

Pictured: Deputy Richard Renouf has praised the Island's efforts towards vaccination coverage and covid testing.

“I would like to thank our testing colleagues for all their hard work and commitment over the past two years,” added Rachel Williams, Director of Testing and Tracing. 

“Their professionalism and flexibility is very much appreciated, and our teams have helped keep our Island safe during the pandemic.”