Everything you need to know about Testing on Day 2 and Day 8

Various Covid-19 restrictions have been introduced by the UK Government when travelling to and from the UK. Better2Know is a registered provider for Testing on Day 2 and Day 8 for International Arrivals, which is required when you return to the UK from abroad. Find out more about this test and how it works.

Testing on Day 2 and Day 8 for International Arrivals is a measure in place to prevent Covid-19 infections from spreading when returning to the UK from overseas. Better2Know is pleased to announce that we listed on the Government website as a registered private provider for Testing on Day 2 and Day 8.

All arrivals entering the UK must self-isolate for 10 days (unless you are exempt for a specific reason). If you are returning to the UK from abroad, you must take a test before or on Day 2 of your mandatory self-isolation period in the UK. If positive, this sample will be genome-sequenced to detect any potential Variants of Concern strains of the Covid-19 virus. You must then take another test on or after Day 8.

The infographic below shows the timeline for Covid-19 Travel Testing.

Do the requirements change depending on whether I am travelling back from a ‘red’ country?

If you are returning to the UK from a country that is on the UK Government’s red list, unfortunately, you have no choice but to self-isolate for the full 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel.

If you are returning to the UK from a country that is not on the red list, you should follow the same protocols for Testing on Day 2 and Day 8. However, the good news is that you can self-isolate in your own home or another approved location, and you can shorten your quarantine period with our Test to Release. This test, taken on Day 5, will allow you to legally stop self-isolating once you receive your result, provided that you test negative. Your Test to Release must be ordered separately from Better2Know’s website.

What details do I need to enter on my Passenger Locator Form?

Once you have ordered your Day 2 and Day 8 tests, you will receive a unique Test Reference Number. You must enter this reference number on your Passenger Locator Form before you arrive in the UK. When you order your tests, we clearly state in your confirmation email which number you must enter on your Passenger Locator Form.

This means that you must order your Day 2 and Day 8 tests before you arrive in the UK. You can order your tests as early as you would like, and we will send them to you by post on the required days.

What do my test results mean?

If you test positive:

On your Day 2 test: You must continue to self-isolate for 10 days from the date you receive your test result. In this case, your sample will be referred for further testing and you will not be required to take your Day 8 test.

On your Day 8 test: You must self-isolate for 10 days from the date you receive your result.

If you test negative:

On your Day 2 or Day 8 test: You must continue to self-isolate for the full 10 days, in accordance with Government guidelines. You can only shorten your quarantine if you are returning from a country which is not on the Government’s red list by taking our Test to Release.

Why should I choose Better2Know for my Day 2 and Day 8 test?

Better2Know has been providing Covid-19 tests since the beginning of the pandemic. We understand that you want fast, accurate results, with the added convenience of viewing your results online as soon as they are reported by the laboratory. Better2Know and our testing laboratories are registered with the Department of Health and Social Care to provide all Covid-19 testing solutions for you.

Additionally, Better2Know’s highly trained advisors are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we are here for you whenever you need us.

How can I order my Day 2 and Day 8 tests?

To find out more about Testing on 2 and Day 8, or to order your tests, please visit Better2Know’s website. When ordering your tests, you will be required to provide us with information about yourself and your journey back to the UK.