A PCR test (illustration).
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Orlando BarrÌa / EFE / SIPA
This is not necessarily the answer the Ultramarins were waiting for.
During questions to the government on Tuesday in the National Assembly, the Minister of Health insisted on the fact that these people wishing to return home and currently stranded at airports for lack of PCR tests carried out within 72 hours before their flight, are not not priority.
More than three days for results
Olivier Véran was questioned by the PS deputy for Réunion Philippe Naillet and the PCF deputy for Martinique Manuéla Kéclard-Mondésir on the difficulty for overseas travelers to submit a negative test in time, due to the lengthening of the delays in obtaining 'an appointment and results.
The companies however ask for a test carried out only in the 72 hours before the departure while some laboratories are not able to provide the results in three days.
The Minister replied that "very clearly, the list of priority people for testing are people who are symptomatic, who are in contact, or caregivers and home helpers in direct contact with vulnerable people".
"We cannot extend this list to people who have to travel, because there are places where, even for the priority ones, the deadlines have lengthened", he explained, inviting "people to anticipate the realization of their levy of the order of one week ”.
Travelers in distress
The two deputies underlined the distress of "hundreds of overseas travelers", stuck in the airports of Orly or Roissy, and who must face additional costs which are sometimes significant while waiting to be able to obtain a test.
"We will continue to develop mobile platforms" for PCR tests, specified the Minister of Health.
A screening center has already been set up in Orly by several airlines.
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