The UK’s “broken” PCR testing system is so flawed that it is possible for travellers to enter made-up codes in passenger locator forms as “proof” that they have purchased a Covid test, a whistleblower has said.
Yesterday, i reported how a major loophole in the Covid testing and reporting system allowed travellers to re-use reference codes they had entered on passenger locator forms from previous trips abroad instead of booking a new test.
Now an industry insider has claimed that passengers do not even need to enter a code issued by a test provider in order to avoid taking a test – and any combination of five letters and seven numbers will be accepted by the system.
Officials would “never know” if a passenger submitted a fake code on the form as there is no way to check that it is valid, added the software engineer, who works for a test provider.
Under tightened travel rules re-introduced to help limit the spread of the Omicron Covid variant, anyone entering the UK from a foreign country other than Ireland must complete a passenger locator form, enabling officials to trace and contact them if necessary.
Passengers have two days to take a PCR test, which can cost as much as 100. It must be booked before travel, and bought privately.
Test providers are required to submit daily lists to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) of the booking reference codes they have issued to the public.
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