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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221115
03/16/2020 09:51 AM
03/16/2020 09:51 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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I even contacted the US Embassy for the Eastern Caribbean. Below is the response I just received.
Good Day,
We would advise you to first work with your airline and if that doesn’t work, you can book a flight to another island and take your flight to the U.S from there.
Regards,
American Citizens Services
US Embassy Bridgetown & the Eastern Caribbean
Email: BridgetownACS@state.gov
J.D.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221116
03/16/2020 09:55 AM
03/16/2020 09:55 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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AGREE, for sure, and on all counts.
Didn’t the government ultimately step in after Irma to assist in an airlift of expat?
I’ve been thinking since I first heard the SXM decision to close their airports to US flights on such short notice that The US government might have to step in. It won’t be pretty and probably not convenient to most but they’re gonna’ have to do something.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: pat]
#221117
03/16/2020 09:56 AM
03/16/2020 09:56 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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I think they did after Irma.
J.D.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221118
03/16/2020 10:03 AM
03/16/2020 10:03 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
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The response from the US Embassy is totally non-responsive to the situation and is but one more reason to make me wonder, “Why?”
Our US tax dollars at work.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221121
03/16/2020 10:06 AM
03/16/2020 10:06 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Aruba and I think Curacao have also made similar rulings, so SXM is not the only place where people are stranded..
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: RonDon]
#221130
03/16/2020 10:36 AM
03/16/2020 10:36 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
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Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Respectfully, no one could predict what has happened here and how fast it has happened. Come on people, please do not criticize choices that other people have made!!
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: RonDon]
#221146
03/16/2020 11:00 AM
03/16/2020 11:00 AM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 246
BlueGreenWater
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 246
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I know I'll be attacked for this but don't you think common sense should have kicked in and people should have considered how they would return from anywhere not just SXM and should have cancelled travel, if for no reason other than coming in contact with the virus, thought of a quarantine for 14-21 days as time went on? My opinion. And I feel better having stated it. I've been on SXM for eight weeks, as I am every winter. I am not a mind reader.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221150
03/16/2020 11:04 AM
03/16/2020 11:04 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592
St Maarten
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I'm watching the government statement. I posted a link. Planes are allowed to bring those allowed to come here (not tourists) and taking them back
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: PelicanPirate]
#221152
03/16/2020 11:05 AM
03/16/2020 11:05 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Sorry, don't know what that means, but again, PLEASE people, do not attack each other.
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: BillandElaine]
#221154
03/16/2020 11:05 AM
03/16/2020 11:05 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Elaine--but will the airlines fly in the planes empty? That's the question.
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#221162
03/16/2020 11:13 AM
03/16/2020 11:13 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592
St Maarten
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They will bring back St Marteners, health workers , helpers
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: PelicanPirate]
#221172
03/16/2020 11:21 AM
03/16/2020 11:21 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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OP
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Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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Incompetent NO.
This is unchartered territory.
Incompetent as my wife was with Delta agents and supervisors yesterday and again today in person and at the airport and they were basically useless. She also tried to book and pay for a ticket on United at what used to be known as a "ticket counter" and was told it had to be done on the phone (6 hour hold times) or online. Easy to armchair quarterback when you are not personally impacted at the time. Perhaps you should read other posts I have made pertaining to this and what my wife was told by counter personnel. I have virtually spent the last 2+ days online trying to work on my own situation of getting home and also providing information here. Thanks for the appreciation.
Last edited by ruralcarrier; 03/16/2020 11:30 AM.
J.D.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#221176
03/16/2020 11:26 AM
03/16/2020 11:26 AM
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 178 Cinti
Bdallas
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 178
Cinti
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Carol, You’re right. I was just trying to say where have some people been the last couple of weeks.
Last edited by Bdallas; 03/16/2020 11:49 AM.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: Bdallas]
#221185
03/16/2020 11:51 AM
03/16/2020 11:51 AM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,496 Rhode Island
RonDon
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Traveler
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Posts: 4,496
Rhode Island
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Rondon. Get your head out of the sand. Things have changed dramatically in the past two weeks and your point is what? when were rsvp's made? three weeks ago? Four weeks ago? When? This started in December and was obvious to escalate if you think not then it's your head in the sand. "Easy to armchair quarterback?" If not for common sense I too would be scurrying to find a way back home.= this week or next, or wondering where I'd get food. Sorry for those who thought to go but it's not the governments job to get them home. The advise to contact airline is sound. News reports say planes are deadening so perhaps some will fly empty to SXM to pick people up. But don't expect to fy same routes you booked. You may find yourselves in Miami or NY in quarantine. Was that considered by anyone? No need to answer.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: PelicanPirate]
#221187
03/16/2020 11:57 AM
03/16/2020 11:57 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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Thanks for the advice, I have taken steps if I do not get off the island this week or any time soon.
Part of the "stranding" is on the airlines and what they are and are not telling people.
It is not what I would view as life of death but unless one is living it, easy to armchair quarterback the situation.
J.D.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221188
03/16/2020 12:05 PM
03/16/2020 12:05 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592
St Maarten
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I spoke to a bunch of visitors yesterday and nearly all said they will stay and go when they can. I understand there are folks who HAVE to get back. But seems many don't.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#221193
03/16/2020 12:12 PM
03/16/2020 12:12 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178 New Hampshire
Hdrdr911
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 178
New Hampshire
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When you choose to travel when virtually every major health agency in the world is advising against it and particularly when you fly into a country that has restricted travel that includes your return date, I have no sympathy.
Last edited by Hdrdr911; 03/16/2020 12:13 PM.
If the phone doesn't ring .... it's me
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: BillandElaine]
#221195
03/16/2020 12:14 PM
03/16/2020 12:14 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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Yes and if I did not have a wife who works full time and animals at home, I would consider staying IF I thought I could get out within the next two weeks. That does not appear to be the case. and waiting until May is something I would like to avoid.
I hope they understand it may be 4-6 weeks before they get out from the way it sounds (at least AA) the airliens are handling this.
I have a couple of options for lodging if I do not get out and with being a 29 year visitor, I do know a lot of people here and could get by. Finances are another concern as well.
J.D.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221197
03/16/2020 12:18 PM
03/16/2020 12:18 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592
St Maarten
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With no one coming in, should be plenty places open once folks start leaving. And we do have ATM's
Lots of places had many cancellations in the past week. Have a friend with 4 apartments available!
Last edited by BillandElaine; 03/16/2020 12:24 PM.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: RonDon]
#221198
03/16/2020 12:19 PM
03/16/2020 12:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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RonDon--This is what YOU posted on 3/9/20
"CJIMI tell her you are going anyway with or without her. That might change her mind.
Tell her DR OZ said no problem with flying but no to cruise . Most people respect Dr OZ. He said to Amp up the overhead air nozzle. Plane air is not outside air. It's filtered to 99.9%. You can use google to verify this.
We are booked for arrival 3/14 and our ages put us in the "elderly" group. Our doctor says we are in excellent health and because we have no underlying problems we are good to go. And we hope to see you in SXM!."
PLEASE cease from criticizing other's decisions.
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: Hdrdr911]
#221199
03/16/2020 12:23 PM
03/16/2020 12:23 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Hdrdr--the VAST majority of people who are on island right now flew out before there were any such restrictions.
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: bran]
#221211
03/16/2020 12:44 PM
03/16/2020 12:44 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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bran--that is so sad. I understood that there were exceptions being made for persons in hospice care, but perhaps that is not correct. I was able to see Eric's mom on Friday, but of course now all visits have been stopped. My sister has been able to see her husband in Indiana, as he is in hospice care...
Carol Hill
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#221215
03/16/2020 12:45 PM
03/16/2020 12:45 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592
St Maarten
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Someone leaving today and at the airport said a much bigger plane came in to take more people out.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: BillandElaine]
#221224
03/16/2020 01:10 PM
03/16/2020 01:10 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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OP
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Posts: 17,763
Ohio
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I saw that mentioned on one of the FB group pages but when I checked the flight they were referring to, it was the standard 757 AA usually flies in and as per previously scheduled. Lots of misinformation out there, sadly. Looks like AA just landed.
J.D.
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Re: Something Needs to be Done to Get People back to the US
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#221226
03/16/2020 01:12 PM
03/16/2020 01:12 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,496 Rhode Island
RonDon
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,496
Rhode Island
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Hdrdr--the VAST majority of people who are on island right now flew out before there were any such restrictions. The point I was trying to make was when things started going downhill in the US and Europe it should have dawned that it could happen where ever one was going including SXM. I advised CJIMI in jest to tell his wife he was going. At that time I too was going but when USA escalated I asked myself "what if...in SXM and cancelled. I would have loved being stranded on SXM but for how long and where would my return be to or to what conditions. That was my point about "common sense" think things through. But now that one is in a situation consider rural carriers sound advise.
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