Randox, a COVID-19 PCR testing provider, has announced that travellers to the Algarve will be able to purchase a COVID-19 “test-to-return” kit.
UK holidaymakers will then be able to have their self-collected samples promptly flown from their holiday destination to Randox’s laboratories in the UK for testing. Results are emailed to the traveller ready in time for their flight home.
In response to high demand from British holidaymakers to visit Portugal, Randox has partnered with the largest laboratory chain in the Algarve to offer holidaymakers to the region this new solution. Travellers purchase and take their ‘test-to-return’ kit to Portugal and, at their convenience, self-collect their sample 72 hours before the return flight. Travellers drop their sample at one of the listed partner laboratory sites and samples are then flown to Randox’s testing facilities in the UK. Customers receive their results the next day. The partner laboratory has many sites across the Algarve, including at Lagos, Portimao, Lagoa, Silves, Albufera, Loule, Faro, Olaho and Quartiera.
The PCR test-to-return service will be available to travellers returning on flights from the Algarve from the 7th June and will cost £60 per testing kit. This latest offering from Randox adds to the company’s existing traveller focussed services, which include: Pre-Departure (From the UK); Test to Release (Day 5); Day 2 Testing (Green Countries); and Day 2 and Day 8 Testing (Amber countries).
Sophie Boyd, Randox operations manager, said: “As the UK gradually opens up to international travel, we are delighted to be able to offer those visiting the Algarve the ability to have a fast and reliable PCR ‘test-to-return’ service, which means travellers have one less thing to worry about and can concentrate on enjoying their holiday. Through our partner network we also have support for the traveller in the Algarve, should they need it.
“Randox is now able to process 500,000 tests a day for international travel - more than any other laboratory in Europe - and to date our laboratories have processed over 13 million tests. We are working hard to support the international fight against the pandemic by offering testing services that allow people to live their lives as normally as possible.”
