The launch of a new Covid traveller tests portal descended into farce yesterday as listed companies displayed no stock and advertised ‘misleading’ prices – before the website crashed within hours.
The Department of Health has launched the list ahead of tomorrow’s rule changes. Double-jabbed holidaymakers can take a rapid flow test on day two of their return, rather than a more expensive PCR swab.
However, the list included several firms that did not offer rapid swabs, out of stock in hours, or advertising prices that did not include any hidden costs.

The Department of Health released the list before rule changes tomorrow. Double-jabbed holidaymakers can take a rapid flow test on day two of their return.
It follows the fiasco surrounding the original PCR testing list, which also featured misleading prices and failed results on time. This will raise questions about the system’s ability to cope with the half-term break.
By yesterday afternoon the government web page displayed the message: ‘This site is currently offline due to high demand.’
According to some reports, some firms received as many as 9,000 orders.

It follows the fiasco surrounding the original PCR test list, which also featured misleading prices and failed delivery times.
A Department of Health spokesman said: ‘The UK Health Security Agency has put in place extensive checks to ensure pricing is fair and affordable for travellers.
‘It is unacceptable for any private testing company to take advantage of holidaymakers and any private providers showing misleading pricing on gov.uk are being removed.’