Anyone been to / going to Greek islands?

[Twobigsapphires]

Due to holiday on Greek Island in 2 weeks. Really anxiety inducing, anyone in the area boat or can offer reassurance?

Just arrived in Zakynthos. Luton airport was v busy, by the time we had dropped bags etc we had to run to the gate. Plane was half empty (Easyjet). They weren’t testing anyone when we landed in Zakynthos. Took about half an hour to get through passport control because 2 flights landed at similar times. It’s very hot out here but lovely.

Well I've ballsed up.
I knew I would because I was getting myself so confused

Didnt order any tests for my 11 year old and she needs the more flight and day 2 pcr
Chronomatics won't let me order as I'm due to fly in 5 days
Could kick myself honestly.

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast we ordered coming back tests at a local clinic in Greece, and randox for day 2.

Yea don't stress @Carrotcakeforbreakfast - you can arrange all the tests for return once you are there.

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast I didn't think 11 year olds needed to test?

This is what I thought too
I knew about the day 2 pcr but for some stupid effin reason didnt order it as I was in such a flap making sure the fit to fly were sorted I think.

Honestly I worry myself sometimes

Posh me did you book the lft in Greece before you left or when you got there?

11 year old was like " it is okay mum I'll stay in Greece"

My chronomics tests have just arrived. I think we might actually be going 🙌
@Carrotcakeforbreakfast if you check money saving expert site I’m sure they did an article on test kits and there was a place that dispatched them same day. I can’t remember the name but I definitely read it because it was going to be my back up if our tests hadn’t arrived on time.

@poshme I wondered about that and if you would then be exempt from quarantine as DD would then be >30 days from positive test so get out card on previous infection confirmation?

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast - I went to Majorca a few weeks ago and it was super easy to get an LFT a day before we flew home. There was a mobile doctor visiting our hotel to do them daily but in the end we just walked over the road and did one in a medical centre while u wait. Standard fee across Spain of €30, they aren't allowed to charge any more.

From the Trip Advisor reviews I'm reading Greece seems v similar.

We will check with the hotel/tour op when we are there, sure they will have some arrangement.

@Carrotcakeforbreakfast we booked with a local clinic before we went.

Ah thank you for all the advice.

I've found a health centre over the road from the hotel 25 euro
And am just about to order from randox for the day 2 pcr.

I hope we all get to sip a lovely, cool cocktail next to the pool very soon.

@GrealishHairband when we all had covid my eldest DC tested negative on the lft pretty much 5 days after pcr. So like a week from the initial positive lft. So hopefully you'll all be fine.

@GrealishHairband not at home for the UK- if we test positive on PCR it's considered possibly a new infection so have to stay at home.
Europe accept recovery as a proof, but so far the UK don't.

Oh really @poshme?

Fuchs sake. That might be an issue for us then. It’s DD’s 18th birthday the day after we get back. She has a full weekend of festivities planned.

Oh and the start of year 13.

FUCKING COVID.

Thanks @Carrotcakeforbreakfast

So @Carrotcakeforbreakfast 11 year olds def need to do the day 2 test?

Yes it’s only under 4’s that are exempt from day 2 testing.

www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-quarantine-when-you-arrive-in-england

Thanks @GrealishHairband best get ordering for us all then!

I just had a mini panic and had to check that guidance because I didn’t think my 4 year old needed anything in either direction and hadn’t got anything for her. She’s 5 at the start of September. Luckily, it’s only over 5s that need tests on return to UK. Phew!

Ooh sorry 4 and unders!

It’s such a minefield - trying to navigate all the rules - and the stress of knowing if they’ve changed something since you last checked. I will not relax until I’m there now.

Eldest DC has girlfriend over this evening. I (half jokingly) suggested she might want to take a LFT before coming over and bless her, she already had done. I feel a bit OTT but I’m secretly so glad she had!

We made the decision to flip to next year. Very easy to do with TUI.

We've booked a coastal cruise for this year and hoping for a two laze on the beach next yea.

Just back from Crete and it has all been worth it, apart from the ridiculous queues at Heathrow passport control- totally unjustified as they weren't checking documentation at all (no need as it had been checked before boarding).
Crete felt very safe-lateral flow tests for everyone on entry. It was no quieter than usual as British tourists have been replaced by others from Europe and US. Testing has gone well so far- Randox day 2 all set for tomorrow. Good luck to anyone else off to Greece or the islands.

Arrived in Corfu today. LHR was v quiet and no additional checks as we had uploaded vaccine status and plf to BA site before checking in. Flight was full but everyone was masked. Several flights arrived at same time at Corfu so queued for about 15 mins for passport control. After that plf qr code checked and we were waved through, tho saw a couple of people sent for random tests, maybe 1 in 20? Seems to depend on start no of your qr code (mine was a 4).
It’s extremely hot here but the pool is lovely and the beer is cold!

@ArabellaPilkington @GrealishHairband and anyone else in the know.

18yo DS has tested positive on 31 July. We’re meant to fly on 13th! His antigen test is booked on 11th - what are the chances of him testing negative do you think?
Looks like Greece consider you having had COVID if you’ had a positive test in the previous 30-180 days (but obviously this is less than 30 days).

What about any self tests he needs to do in Greece for the ferry? And does he still need to isolate on return if officially recovered from the virus?

If you’re able to give any advice I would be extremely grateful. Thank you.