Screening service Express Test has opened a drive-through Covid-19 testing centre at Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London.

The private facility is located next to the Brent Cross interchange and close to Brent Cross tube station. It is designed for symptomless members of the public who may require a test to travel abroad after the lifting of international travel restriction measures from May 17.

The drive-through offers two types of PCR swab tests, with results available “typically the next day”. The Fit to Fly test costs £80 and is designed for customers who want to travel abroad from the UK. In this instance, those testing negative will be emailed a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate that is authorised by a doctor, along with their test result. The Test Only service costs £99 and is designed for those who are not looking to travel from the UK.

Nick Markham, Founder of ExpressTest said:

“Providing reassurance about people’s health is our number one priority and we are pleased to deliver Covid-19 screening services to international travellers and London’s general public. For the next few months and beyond, there will be a continued need for gold standard PCR testing as well as rapid tests before you get on a flight. This is especially true for the reopening of foreign travel, which following the Prime Minister’s announcement last week, may commence from as soon as 17th May.”

Chris Barnes, General Manager of Brent Cross Shopping Centre, added:

“The past year has been an extremely challenging time for so many people, and I know we’re all looking forward to getting back to some kind of normal. The new ExpressTest facility at Brent Cross is part of that journey, as it will help the people of London get rapid tests, travel abroad and reconnect with family and friends safely once this lockdown ends.”

Express Test has carried out over 82,000 tests since its launch in November 2020, and recently partnered with Iberia to offer discounted Covid-19 tests to the airline’s UK customers. Meanwhile, several airports have partnered with the company to set up screening facilities, including the largest UK facility of its kind at Heathrow Airport.

For our round-up of testing facilities being offered at airports worldwide, see:

Which airports are offering Covid-19 tests?

expresstest.co.uk