We came in on VS131 on Saturday 19th Dec. Just a few notes for anyone else on the way out here - including on the longer timing with the 2nd test results ;
- Our first PCR test was with Midland Health in Birmingham - expensive but excellent service (inc same day results, if needed).
- T2 check in was a little more crowded than expected but all went smoothly.
- The Plaza Premium lounge was okay but no clubhouse. Main issue was it was very busy, to the extent that we left as didn't feel comfortable. There was a big line outside waiting to enter and not good on the mask front, including people asleep with no masks.
- UC crew were awesome , really handled it all well. Cabin looked to be about 75% full, with a few late upgrades. All well managed from a covid POV.
- Arrivals at BGI was busy, lots of paperwork to show and long line for the health check. It's worth considering using one of the fast-track services - we booked with Platinum ($56 USD each) and were through inside 30 mins , with the main wait being for bags.
- Duty free is open at BGI in luggage hall.
- We were in the Hilton for quarantine hotel - all pretty well organised, with about half the hotel assigned for pre-test guests. The upper pool area and the area around the fort/coastline give quite a bit of space and worked well, despite being busy. There is an outside bar until 7pm and one pre-test restaurant for breakfast that has to be booked or you have a long wait. Evenings are quiet, as it's back to the room and room service only. We found it best to order in the fort just before the lunch menu changed at 6pm so we could eat outside and take our rum punches back to the suite.
- The main thing I'd advise is that it's now taking a lot longer for the 2nd Covid tests than before, when 24 hours or less was typical for private or free tests. Now it's got much busier, 72 hours or more is common at the free government centres (you just need to pay for approved taxi there and back), and we met a couple who were waiting 4 days. We paid for private tests with Platinum ($200 USD each) and it was still 48 hours. The hotel recommends Belle-Med ($150USD), Coordinated Health Services ($150USD) and Urgent Care Mobile ($200USD). the hotel advise to expected 2 days for private test results to come back and 3-4 for free tests. Both free and private go to the same lab but I guess the private ones get some priority in the process.
- Otherwise, it's still paradise here - they are really doing a fantastic job on the covid protocols and mask wearing is more common than in the UK where so many seem to do the minimum.
Hope this helps and happy to answer any question for other Vfyers on the way over