Manchester Airport has today launched a new COVID-19 testing facility as part of the UK’s largest airport testing scheme aiming to help get Britain flying again.
The facility comes as part of a move by its parent company, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).
The announcement means the full range of COVID-19 tests – RT-PCR, RT-LAMP, Rapid Antigen and Antibody – will all be available to passengers in a new, purpose-built facility just outside of the main terminal building, and will be delivered in partnership with airport services and travel medical provider, Collinson.
MAG – the UK’s largest airport group – also became the first operator to give its passengers the chance to book discounted pre-flight testing appointments on the high street at selected Boots UK stores.
According to MAG, this news means that passengers using Manchester Airport – and London Stansted and East Midlands Airports – will be “given maximum flexibility when planning their trips”.
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The plans also come in the week that the UK government has lifted England’s international travel ban.
We are pleased to announce the opening of a COVID-19 testing facility at Manchester Airport! Passengers will be able to take PCR, RT Lamp, Rapid Antigen & Antibody tests depending on the requirements of the country they are travelling to. Find out more > https://t.co/ok4cJUyPDlpic.twitter.com/N6BQDEIgyd
Certain governments globally allow pre-departure tests in order to shorten, or completely alleviate, quarantine requirements in the destination country.
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Others require them in order to gain entry.
But having a full range of tests available now available at Manchester airport for any passenger planning to fly who does not suspect they have COVID-19, will let MAG passengers choose whichever process they need in order to meet the pre-departure testing requirements.
This will apply to many of MAG’s most popular markets, such as Spain and Italy, as well as some long-haul destinations.
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Passengers will also be able to book the tests they need to shorten their self-isolation period upon return under the UK government’s Test to Release scheme – announced last week and launching on 15th December – which will allow travellers arriving from higher-risk countries to reduce their period of quarantine by taking a test five days after they arrive in the UK.
The Test to Release scheme follows in the footsteps of a number of countries who are already offering quarantine-free inbound travel to those able to provide evidence of a negative test.
As aforementioned, Boots offers an in-store RT-PCR COVID-19 testing service – which returns results within 48 hours – from more than 50 stores across the UK and is specifically for customers who do not suspect they have COVID-19.
MAG passengers will now be able to access a 5% discount through the airport’s website.
Manchester Airport testing prices through Collinson start at £40 for Antibody tests, £50 for Antigen tests, £79 for RT-LAMP tests, and £99 for RT-PCR tests.
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You can find more information via the Manchester Airport website here.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Chester Zoo announces new spring date for its popular running event to help UK wildlife
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has announced that its popular Run For Nature is back again this year, and this time, there’s a new spring edition.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo seen success with this event in the past few years, with thousands of runners signing up for one of the North West’s most unique athletic experiences and all funds raised going towards efforts to protect highly-endangered giraffes in Africa.
This year though, the much-loved event’s focus brings conservation ‘a little closer to home’ and will protect some of the UK’s most threatened species instead – with all funds helping to safeguard hedgehogs, kingfishers, otters, harvest mice, and more.
It comes as the UK is currently considered one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth.
Participants will first get to wind through the zoo and enjoy glimpses of elephants, lemurs, and other incredible species along the way, before heading out into the picturesque Cheshire countryside.
Adults can choose from a 10K or 5K route, while younger runners are invited to take part in a one-mile ‘Zoom’ race, open to children aged four-15, which takes place entirely within the zoo’s incredible 130-acre grounds.
All runners will receive free entry to the zoo for the rest of the day as part of their registration, along with a 25% discount for friends and family who come along to show support.
Chester Zoo’s popular 10K charity run is returns with a new spring date / Credit: Chester Zoo
Lorraine Jubb, who is the Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo, called the Run For Nature a ‘really special event’.
“In previous years, runners have already supported conservation efforts for Asian elephants, Eastern black rhinos and Northern giraffe,” she explained. This springtime though, we’re turning our attention much closer to home in the UK, and to the wildlife we share our gardens, parks and countryside with.
“With one in six species now at risk of extinction in the UK, every runner will be playing a vital role in helping us protect animals and supporting our growing nature recovery work across right across Cheshire.
Run For Nature will take place on the new springtime date of Sunday 29 March 2026, and there’s 3,000 places to sign up for.
You can find out more and register on the Chester Zoo website here.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
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Transport Secretary commits to ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The Transport Secretary has signed a ‘transformational’ rail deal for Greater Manchester.
The Government has formally agreed to work with Greater Manchester and Mayor Andy Burnham on plans for a new railway connecting Liverpool and Manchester, via Warrington, as part of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR).
The new Liverpool-Manchester line is said to underpin the Northern Growth Corridor – which is a bold strategy to drive growth from the Mersey to the Pennines, stretching into Yorkshire, Lancashire, North Wales, and beyond – with a key connection at Manchester Airport.
Local analysis has suggested that the new line could generate around £90 billion in additional revenue by 2040.
Also, as part of the major investment of up to £45 billion – which was announced a couple of weeks back, and is tipped to transform rail travel across the North – the Government has also said it will work with Greater Manchester partners to explore an underground option at Manchester Piccadilly station, recognising its potential as a ‘catalyst for growth’.
Local leaders say they are keen to demonstrate how an underground station could turn Piccadilly into a ‘Kings Cross of the North’.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with Mayor Andy Burnham last week to sign the formal agreement.
The agreement recognises the potential for an underground solution at Manchester Piccadilly, while also acknowledging the need for further ‘testing’ to make sure it will deliver value for money, and additionally sets out how the Government will work with Greater Manchester on the wider NPR scheme – which will be delivered in three stages, with the Liverpool-Manchester line to be built in the second phase.
The Transport Secretary has committed to a ‘transformational’ rail deal with Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM (Supplied)
A formal review of the underground option at Manchester Piccadilly is to be lead by local leaders and senior civil servants.
“I’ve strengthened this Government’s clear and unwavering commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail by signing an agreement with Mayor Burnham on the next steps for transforming connectivity in Greater Manchester,” explained Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander.
“With a new line between Manchester and Liverpool at the heart of our plans, alongside new stations at Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, we will unlock new opportunities, more jobs and more housing for thousands of people.
“By providing early clarity on scope and phasing, we are giving Greater Manchester the certainty it needs to plan ahead and unlock the full economic and social benefits for its people.”
The Manc -
3rd December 2020 
