Description

The Test to Release Scheme allows passengers arriving into England, the option of reducing their quarantine period.

 

You cannot use the Test to Release scheme if you have been in or through any country that is on the travel ban red list in the 10 days before you arrive in England.

 

How the scheme works

If you arrive in England from somewhere outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you must:

  • have proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken in the 3 days before departing for England
  • complete a passenger locator form
  • self-isolate for 10 days

Under the Test to Release scheme you can choose to have a COVID-19 test on or after day 5.

Arrive: in England from a country not on the corridor list. Go straight to the place you plan to self-isolate. Start self-isolating according to the UK government’s instructions. Fill in the government passenger locator form

Day 5 (Day 0 is the day you arrive in England). You should receive your test on day 5, we are not allowed to send it to you any sooner. Take your test as soon as it arrives and post it back to us as soon as possible via Royal Mail at a designated post box.

Day 6: your test arrives at the laboratory (dependent on Royal Mail)

Day 6 to 7: Get your results. If the test result is negative you can end quarantine as soon as you receive the result. If the test is positive you need to quarantine for another 10 days. Count the 10 days starting from the day after you took the test, or from when you first had symptoms if that is earlier. People you live with in the UK, or people you are staying with, should also quarantine for 10 days from the date of your positive test.

 

You cannot take a test until you have been in England for 5 full days.

Our Test to Release service includes:

  • Home kit delivered to your address by Special Delivery on day 5 as per government guidelines.
  • Prepaid return envelope.
  • Results within 24-48 hours of receipt at our lab.