The obligation to go to Corsica to have done a PCR test within 72 hours before departure is extended until March 7 because of "the threat of new variants".
Antigenic tests will no longer be accepted from Saturday, February 6, the prefecture announced on Wednesday.
"The worsening of the health situation on the continent (...) and the threat that variants pose to the health system" explain "the extension and strengthening of the test system implemented since December 19", indicates the prefecture.
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PCR test and sworn statement
"From Saturday 6 February and until 7 March inclusive", passengers aged 11 or over going to Corsica "must present to the transport companies upon boarding" a declaration on their honor stating that they have taken a test RT-PCR "less than 72 hours" before boarding, have no symptoms of Covid-19 and not be positive for Covid-19.
They will also have to present "proof" of this test which can now only be RT-PCR, antigenic tests are "no longer accepted" from Saturday, specifies the prefecture.
Unlike antigen tests which are available in most French airports and which deliver results in less than 30 minutes, RT-PCR tests can only be carried out in town laboratories.
Results are usually communicated within 24 to 48 hours.
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"The reason is quite simple, with RT-PCR tests, we are able when a test is positive to sequence it to look for variants", explained Philippe Mortel of the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Corsica, at a press conference.
“Proof of the completion of the RT-PCR test must be kept throughout the stay in Corsica.
It is likely to be requested by the police on the arrival of passengers on the island but also on their return to the mainland ”, underlines the Corsica prefecture site.
