Escape from Shengen

[fil6699]

I went to Muro Hospital in Alcudia today for PCR test to travel to UK and was in line outside for 5 hours the test itself takes. seconds . I arrived at 9.15 ready for them starting at 9.30 and finally got away at 2.15 pm . when I arrived there was only 50 people in front of me almost all German ready to return after Easter. I should get my results by email tomorrow .
Cannot begin to imagine how this will be when the island actually opens up to all tourists.the cost now is 90 euro. but have had to book in accordance with UK rules 3 covid tests on arrival these must be booked and paid for in advance and a unique reference given to you by the clinic has to be entered on your QR health form and submitted to UK gvt before flying. the tests are day 2 day 5 and day 8 at a cost of £150 per test and then of course my test required to return here with fit to fly certificate 72 hours before returning a further £150 so all the testing round trip works out around £680 add this to the waiting time in line for testing . Something is going to need to change because this is not sustainable for Tourists
Of course its important we all stay safe and keep others safe but clearly some people are making shed loads of money out of this and the Govt should step in and cap the cost of tests . as the Spanish Govt did with the price of face masks

Update
well my test result email from Muro Hospital never arrived so I had to drive over to Muro hospital and after waiting in line another 45 minuets and speaking to a member of staff I was directed to the lab . Where i went and was given a print out of my test result Negative .
At Palma check in all docs checked. 2 people on my flight were being returned to UK having been refused entry into Palma after arriving on the same inbound flight . So unless you have the required docs to arrive to Palma do not fly . Get the current information from Government web it is always up to date and changes often . DO NOT GET YOUR INFORMATION RE REQUIREMENTS FROM SOCIAL MEDIA .
Arrived in UK and was pleased to see border control actual examining health forms and pcr tests good to see tight control.
Self isolating now .tomorrow will go for first test day 2 test, unlike Gordo I am going to a private clinic for these tests I have used them for my fit to fly tests before so are reliable and fast but more expensive. But not having to depend on the post and taking the test yourself which can sometimes deliver a non conclusive result i think its best left to a professional to take the test .faster and more guaranteed but the cost is £150 per test ( crazy)
I will keep you posted how the rest of this trip to UK goes

 

[Sparky]

This might be useful for some, posted on FB by a local doctor :-

As of the day 8/4/21 I inform, that in my Medical Consultation of the Port of Pollensa, rapid antigen tests for SARS-COV-2 can be carried out.
To make an appointment for the tests, you can call 971 868 223. MEDICAL CONSULTATION DR. FRANCISCO CARO GALLEGO C / LA GOLA, 4- GROUND FLOOR 07470 PUERTO POLLENSA.

 

[fil6699]

This might be useful for some, posted on FB by a local doctor :-

The problem is as of now you have to have PCR test for travel to UK

 

[Sparky]

The problem is as of now you have to have PCR test for travel to UK

Yes i understand that but i posted this for some members who might want to take an antigen test without having to go outside the Port .

 

[Tiggy]

Yes i understand that but i posted this for some members who might want to take an antigen test without having to go outside the Port .

Under what circumstances would you require an antigen test currently in Mallorca ?

I am aware of test towns in Germany and Austria for example taking place in trials to allow limited attendace at cultural events , cinema and bars etc if you have a negative antigen test or the obvious to visit relatives and those in care homes and hospitals.

 

[Disorderly]

Yes i understand that but i posted this for some members who might want to take an antigen test without having to go outside the Port .

I think it’s possible that the rapid lateral flow test may eventually be allowed from Green category countries if carried out by a professional, so this information may prove to be very useful if the Balearics can be so categorised (I suspect it will be Amber initially).

Everything is very uncertain at the moment but we do seem to be taking baby steps towards being able to visit before very long.

 

[fil6699]

Under what circumstances would you require an antigen test currently in Mallorca ?

I am aware of test towns in Germany and Austria for example taking place in trials to allow limited attendace at cultural events , cinema and bars etc if you have a negative antigen test or the obvious to visit relatives and those in care homes and hospitals.

Antigen tests can be used to travel to Germany and other EU countries
the UK however requires PCR tests to arrive in UK followed by a further 2 PCR tests Day 2 and day 8 after arrival.Together with 10 days isolation and i can confirm that this time around they are checking to ensure people are isolating.and also checking test results and future test bookings at boarder control
The PCR Test is way more reliable and detailed which is why the result takes longer and is more costly. Its actually a good thing the UK are now ensuring negative PCR test before entry into the country and are making full checks at the boarder. If only they had done this almost a year ago I wonder how many lives could have been saved .

 

[Tiggy]

Thanks fil6699

 

[pollensafan]

Dear oh Dear , Reading all this made me think it's a shame the old Carry on crew are no longer with us for I feel sure a film would have been in the offing,

" Carry on Testing".

As I recall, one of the doc's names in the old ones would have been very apt under the circumstances, Dr Prod.

Oh Matron !

 

[graham]

Any more up to date news on testing? Are there still queues? What's the latest cost? Can we get tested in PP?

 

[lollipop]

There is a Dr in La Gola who is doing the antigen test, which is ok to return to UK.

 

[bobley]

There is a Dr in La Gola who is doing the antigen test, which is ok to return to UK.

Good point. I spotted it on FB group so I'll copy here for safe keeping.

"For anyone looking for an Atgien Test in Port Pollensa. I highly recommend this doctor. 40 euro, really efficient and pleasant. Now also doing PCR test for 75. Pre booking necessary.
CONSULTA MEDICA DR.CARO. PUERTO POLLENSA
4.9
( · 400.0 m
Hospital · Carrer de la Gola, 4, bajo
Teléfono. 971868223
Closed ⋅ Opens 5PM"