As part of its long-term commitment to ensuring that travel and tourism can continue to operate without risk of COVID-19 – BHA Medical has partnered with NPH Group to provide onsite and offsite COVID-19 testing services to Virgin Voyages, for two of vessels, Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady, into UK and Mediterranean waters.
This contract, the second awarded by Virgin Voyages to NPH Group – has seen the partnership between these two companies elevate the safety of cruises from Barcelona, Portsmouth, Tilbury and Amsterdam, between March and May 2022: which included the departure to Barcelona and Athens, where the new vessels will anchor in Europe.
The 22,000 sailors and staff aboard these vessels have been able to utilise NPH Group’s postal and supervised self-testing kits, with mobile technology helping to reduce the risk of contracting COVID and becoming unwell while aboard, or bringing the virus home upon their return.
CEO of NPH Group, Mark Philpott said: “It’s fantastic to see Virgin Voyages truly put health and wellbeing first. It’s what we strive to work toward with all of our partners.
“Despite the end of COVID-19 restrictions in the UK, the virus is still present, and I don’t think anyone wants to see another surge in cases. The onus to keep people safe is now in the hands of businesses and individuals.
“Our goal remains to be a partner that assists in keeping everyone safe. It will hopefully help ease passenger worries knowing that all aboard have been tested so they are safe and able to enjoy an amazing holiday.”
Michelle Bentubo, senior vice president of people, culture and travel operations at Virgin Voyages, said: “NPH has been a trusted partner of ours since going into operation and we’re thankful for the team's expertise and diligence.
“The health and wellbeing of our Sailors and Crew will always be our top priority and working with NPH is an important element.”
Recognising the increased need for Covid-19 testing during the pandemic, NPH Group joined forces with the likes of MDNA Life Sciences and BHA Medical to supply an end-to-end Covid-19 testing model which was quickly adopted by major airports including Newcastle International and Leeds Bradford.
Benefits to Virgin using NPH iMed include:
Safety of sailors
Managing the spread of infection
Flexibility of service: the ability to adapt its testing approach e.g. click and collect or postal (they use postal), sailors can test from the comfort of their own home.
Quickness of results; the system gets results to Sailors within 15 minutes.
Reporting of results; as the NPH system is UKHSA accredited, all results are automatically reported to the government.
We have supported all industries during the COVID-19 pandemic with high-quality medical supplies and innovative technology.
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