RAPID ANTIGEN TRAVEL TESTING
Testing requirements have changed again in a way which will affect those travelling to and from the UK from Belgium. Your medical team have made an effort to support testing where possible across the last year and we continue with PCR testing for symptomatic people and contacts.
However, we do not have the staff to provide travel testing routinely and doing so forces us to reduce other healthcare support. Current demand on healthcare is very high and we are running a COVID immunisation programme here and across Europe that also restricts our staffing.
Now for the better news and an offer…..
Duty travel testing is refundable and very local options are now accessible, quick and better value than before (Soignies 16 Euro, local pharmacies c30 Euro for Rapid Antigen tests). SHAPE NSE has a guide on the options available in the Mons area at https://www.ejsu.net/EJSUNET/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/SHAPE-COVID-INFO-002.pdf.
An offer: Noting the proximity of holidays, we have put together a short term offer for those who are undertaking duty travel including SCV, compassionate, TDY. For those who fit these criteria the link to sign up is: www.ejsu.net/shape-rapid-antigen-travel-testing/
The small print:
This is on a first come – first served basis. If there are no suitable slots remaining and you are genuinely unable to access local testing facilities, you may approach the SMO or SNR to request particular consideration.
Please wear a face covering and arrive punctually. Your results will be available at the time of the appointment and confirmed at 30 minutes.
For families who cannot book together, please ensure you have booked sufficient slots to avoid crowding. We don’t want any contacts if someone proves positive!
This testing option is not linked to a QR code but can be certificated. It allows medical ratification of a clinically conducted lateral flow rapid antigen test so is not conducted by an official test centre but meets the mandated standards for testing. It is for the traveller to check the relevant border regulations. Please do make sure this offer will work for your travel requirements before you book.
We cannot provide PCR tests as these are analysed in the US system and we cannot guarantee results arriving in time for travel nor can we prioritise the workload of the US team.
Please refrain from calling or emailing the medical centre about travel testing. Our reception staff cannot offer you this facility themselves and are there to provide healthcare and multiple immunisation programmes.