Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,428
Posts310,024
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 114
pat 43
jazzgal 41
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
joe9090
joe9090
new jersey
Posts: 105
Joined: August 2000
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
18 registered members (Zanshin, Tom, boucharda, Jc1925, tradewinds, Beansbbq, road3682, IWIWSE, WWII, jrw, SURICK, PnPinNC, 6 invisible), 865 guests, and 80 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Covid test results timeline for travel #234021
09/08/2020 10:36 AM
09/08/2020 10:36 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA

SXM Sponsors
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234025
09/08/2020 11:01 AM
09/08/2020 11:01 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 419
Beverly MA (Boston's North Sho...
timnboston Offline
Traveler
timnboston  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 419
Beverly MA (Boston's North Sho...
Is this test acceptable for SXM? At least it sounds like some progress is being made - I'm hopeful for my January trip

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234045
09/08/2020 02:34 PM
09/08/2020 02:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
That is not an acceptable test for travel to SXM...right now it has to be the RT-PCR nasal swab test

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234049
09/08/2020 04:37 PM
09/08/2020 04:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
If this is not the test currently required for SXM, not sure of the relevance to posting the link on the SXM forum.


J.D.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234090
09/09/2020 11:24 AM
09/09/2020 11:24 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
OK...getting depressed now. My fall back plan for testing is totally not reliable. RI/MA peopleand visitors have the option of getting a RT-PCR test at the RI Convention Center with a reported 24-48 hours window for results....ummm...maybe not. Article in The Providence Journal today about a well know reporter who had cold like symptoms and got tested along with his son.....three weeks ago....and still no results...he actually had his Primary Care person get his negative result "through the back door" in two weeks but his son is still waiting.....three weeks.....

Kinda makes me wonder what the point was in getting tested if it takes that long.....I know....only one example but I can't make travel plans on hope and maybe's....

Looks like January SXM trip is slowly fading from my plans

Depressed....

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234091
09/09/2020 11:30 AM
09/09/2020 11:30 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
Reliability of testing is my concern. My neighbors family went to get tested after they signed up on line to take the test. After waiting over 4 hours the left without taking test. 4 days later they all 3 got notice they all texted positive. Huh. They didn't take the test.

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234092
09/09/2020 11:46 AM
09/09/2020 11:46 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Reliability of testing is my concern. My neighbors family went to get tested after they signed up on line to take the test. After waiting over 4 hours the left without taking test. 4 days later they all 3 got notice they all texted positive. Huh. They didn't take the test.

This appears to be happening in many areas as I personally know of multiple instances just like this. No test given and a result was recorded. But this has nothing to do with SXM and their entry requirements.


J.D.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: ruralcarrier] #234093
09/09/2020 12:27 PM
09/09/2020 12:27 PM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
RI Bob C Offline
Traveler
RI Bob C  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
We will soon find out as I am leaving for the RI Convention Center test in about 10 minutes. Am scheduled to go to SXM on Saturday.

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: RI Bob C] #234094
09/09/2020 12:39 PM
09/09/2020 12:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Best wishes!! I hope you are able to do your trip. Please keep us updated when you can.


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234102
09/09/2020 02:16 PM
09/09/2020 02:16 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Yup...definitely keep us informed. I have a Sunday arrival which won't work anyway but if testing can be resolved I would not hesitate to add a few days to make it a Thursday or Friday arrival

...and...good luck

Last edited by boucharda; 09/09/2020 02:18 PM.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: RI Bob C] #234105
09/09/2020 02:34 PM
09/09/2020 02:34 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Offline
Traveler
Kennys  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Thanks Bob and hoping to see you .
Kind regards. Lesley .

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234107
09/09/2020 02:54 PM
09/09/2020 02:54 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
I have a question that I will assume is dumb BUT....say you book your flight and lodging....get tested on Thursday for a Saturday flight.....and.....you don't get the result before your flight to SXM (connecting).....can you fly?

I have no issue with being tested on arrival but is a neg test mandatory to get on the plane?

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234109
09/09/2020 03:21 PM
09/09/2020 03:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 148
ballston lake
J
johnhill Offline
Traveler
johnhill  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 148
ballston lake
Just read on SMN news the government is considering extending the Covid test out from 3 days to 5 days. Hope this happens.

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234110
09/09/2020 03:41 PM
09/09/2020 03:41 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
THAT would work......maybe. Definitely more potential for success

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: johnhill] #234112
09/09/2020 03:50 PM
09/09/2020 03:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
I wouldn't necessarily believe anything on SMN news, but 5 days would be a huge difference.


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #234117
09/09/2020 05:21 PM
09/09/2020 05:21 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
Minister of TEATT said today in the press briefing they are looking to go to the French model. 5 days with a second test on day 8 if you are still here


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: BillandElaine] #234120
09/09/2020 06:20 PM
09/09/2020 06:20 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Thanks. Not excited about a second test, but five days before is a big improvement!


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: BillandElaine] #234129
09/09/2020 06:44 PM
09/09/2020 06:44 PM
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,308
RI
jomarc Offline
Traveler
jomarc  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,308
RI
Five days would be good. We are scheduled to arrive in SXM on Sunday, October 4. Rhode Island seems to be on top of their testing game, but I’m still anxious about getting results in time. It will be an adventure, for sure!


Jo-

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234145
09/10/2020 12:06 AM
09/10/2020 12:06 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234146
09/10/2020 12:47 AM
09/10/2020 12:47 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
B
Bahston Offline
Traveler
Bahston  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
Changing from a 72-hour requirement to a 120-hour requirement will make it easier for more people to visit SXM, but it isn't going to help get the border to the French side opened.

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234148
09/10/2020 06:45 AM
09/10/2020 06:45 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Thoughts:

...the five day requirement is a biggie but the retesting in a week sounds like a money maker....sorry....an extra $250 per couple. Visitors from FL that fly to Maine need a neg test before arrival....and that's the end of it. ...and Maine is pretty strict

..."RI on top of the game"...did you read the article in the ProJo that I mentioned? On top in getting tested....occasionally very weak on getting results

...I will worry about going to the French side after I can actually get to the Island. I love the French side but it's step two and really has nothing to do with step one since the requirements on the Dutch side are presently more restrictive. It's not about testing days...it's about cases.

...no responses to my inquiry which I thought kinda pertinent:

Quote
I have no issue with being tested on arrival but is a neg test mandatory to get on the plane?

Last edited by boucharda; 09/10/2020 06:46 AM.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: boucharda] #234154
09/10/2020 09:01 AM
09/10/2020 09:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
As far as the re-testing in a week, IF that were to happen, I think it would have the effect of making people shorten their stay. And if there is a re-test, do you have to quarantine yourself until the results are known? I assume so. Let's say that takes overnight. If it were ME and I was scheduled to stay for 10-11 days, I might well reduce my stay to 7 or 8 days, the longest I could go without re-testing, so I don't have to pay for the re-test and the hotel, etc., only to be cooped up in the room for day that I paid for and basically couldn't use.. And let's just say you were supposed to re-test and you don't? What happens? Do they send the Gestapo to round you up to take you to be tested? I get the impression this re-test thing is what they are talking about, to try to get the border re-opened?

As far as your question, boucharda, official policy is that you have to have a negative test to get on the plane, yes. Official policy is also that it has to be a PCR test, taken AND results received, within 72 hours. We know that they are not strictly enforcing the latter. As to strict enforcement of the former, who knows??????????


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234156
09/10/2020 09:21 AM
09/10/2020 09:21 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
B
Bahston Offline
Traveler
Bahston  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
The "re-test in 7 days" requirement is one of the things which the French used to justify opening St Barth's borders. The absence of that requirement in St Maarten was specifically stated as one of the reasons for closing the French side/Dutch side border.

As to what happens if it becomes a requirement and you don't do it, what happens now if you don't do the daily check-in every morning for the first 14 days of your stay?

Last edited by Bahston; 09/10/2020 09:24 AM.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #234158
09/10/2020 09:41 AM
09/10/2020 09:41 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Thank you....

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #234159
09/10/2020 09:42 AM
09/10/2020 09:42 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
I'm thinking along the same lines as Carol. If my stay is 10-11 days, which it usually is (of two weeks)...I will shorten it...or not come at all. The airfare makes it crazy to try and only stay for a short period of time. Adding $$ on top of it for THEIR testing isn't something that I want to do.

This just gets worse for making it easy and safe.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: BeachKitten] #234160
09/10/2020 09:48 AM
09/10/2020 09:48 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Leona--I haven't booked my airfare for June next year yet, as I was hoping for airfares to go down. But with this crap, I may just end up doing a week, which certainly is not my first choice. I will definitely go, but if I have to do this other crap, will probably just stay for a week.


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Bahston] #234161
09/10/2020 09:50 AM
09/10/2020 09:50 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Whoa! The 72 hour requirement for testing is already one major pita but......

“"................ what happens now if you don't do the daily check-in every morning for the first 14 days of your stay?“

My bad, but I was totally unaware of this - Is this required of every visitor and if so, to whom and how does one report in daily? And, if known, what is the penalty if one doesn’t check in?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Bahston] #234162
09/10/2020 10:15 AM
09/10/2020 10:15 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
Traveler
kim  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Originally Posted by Bahston
The "re-test in 7 days" requirement is one of the things which the French used to justify opening St Barth's borders. The absence of that requirement in St Maarten was specifically stated as one of the reasons for closing the French side/Dutch side border.

As to what happens if it becomes a requirement and you don't do it, what happens now if you don't do the daily check-in every morning for the first 14 days of your stay?


What is this daily check in you speak of??

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: kim] #234164
09/10/2020 10:25 AM
09/10/2020 10:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
It apparently has been the case since the beginning, although I didn't know about it until maybe about a week ago. You are supposed to check your temperature and send an email to someone every day with your temperature. Of course, it seems totally window dressing to me, as who is going to say you even took your temp? Just send in a fake reading every day. And as to what happens if you don't do it, who knows??????


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234169
09/10/2020 11:06 AM
09/10/2020 11:06 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
B
Bahston Offline
Traveler
Bahston  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
The 14-day self-monitoring/daily check-in requirement is listed as #14 on the Travel Requirements section of the StMaartenEHAS webpage at https://stmaartenehas.com/travel-requirements/

The only other mention that I've seen is in GaryB's report of the experience on his visit, which is posted at http://www.traveltalkonline.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/231638/3.html

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234184
09/10/2020 02:29 PM
09/10/2020 02:29 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Thank you, Bahston. Just one more thing to think about.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Bahston] #234188
09/10/2020 03:42 PM
09/10/2020 03:42 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry Offline
Traveler
ChiTownHarry  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
Originally Posted by Bahston
...what happens now if you don't do the daily check-in every morning for the first 14 days of your stay?


And what happens if you only stay on the French side?


--ChiTownHarry
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234189
09/10/2020 03:49 PM
09/10/2020 03:49 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572
New Jersey
JoeC047 Offline
Traveler
JoeC047  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572
New Jersey
What does one do with the test results? Where do we show them? JetBlue told someone they must send them into SXM. Sounds pretty bazar to me!

Last edited by JoeC047; 09/10/2020 03:52 PM. Reason: Added something.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: JoeC047] #234192
09/10/2020 04:02 PM
09/10/2020 04:02 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
If I remember correctly you download/add it the result report to the health info form (and I would bring a hard copy with me). It's in the guidelines

On an unrelated but maybe related note...USVI just downgraded their restrictions. Hotels will open on the 13th....no testing required for states with less than TEN percent positive rate and others need a test within 5 days of travel. I would LOVE for SXM to go to this model.....six positive cases over the last 3 days

Last edited by boucharda; 09/10/2020 04:03 PM.
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: ChiTownHarry] #234194
09/10/2020 05:13 PM
09/10/2020 05:13 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Harry--You can't get there to the French side..


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #234206
09/11/2020 12:01 AM
09/11/2020 12:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Well, they better get to reality by Christmas. People arriving on island will bring what they bring test or no test. What they bring will meet the locals. The local Dutch will meet the local French. Spread will occur.

If we arrive late December with whatever test passes, we will be sad if the French side is unaccessible by negative arrivals. Not aure how we will take being relegated to Dutch side.

Get real leaders, one island with alot of commerce and living between sides.

One island solutions

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: Kennys] #234218
09/11/2020 10:15 AM
09/11/2020 10:15 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
RI Bob C Offline
Traveler
RI Bob C  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
After a scare things seem to be moving forward with my test requirement. Lab web site was down this morning so I could not check for test results, After sweating it out for a couple hours it was up again. Found my results (Negative) and was able to go to Dutch side web site and submit required data. Am waiting for them to send me an email. Have made copies just in case.

Using Providence test site produced results in 43 hours. Saw several Massachusetts plates when I was in line.

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: RI Bob C] #234220
09/11/2020 10:32 AM
09/11/2020 10:32 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Great! Sounds good so far!


Carol Hill
Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: RI Bob C] #234225
09/11/2020 11:40 AM
09/11/2020 11:40 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 419
Beverly MA (Boston's North Sho...
timnboston Offline
Traveler
timnboston  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 419
Beverly MA (Boston's North Sho...
Thanks - was wondering if RI as going to help out us "Massholes"

Re: Covid test results timeline for travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #234230
09/11/2020 02:13 PM
09/11/2020 02:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Online content
Traveler
boucharda  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Good work and thanks for the info....and...have a great trip

Last edited by boucharda; 09/11/2020 02:14 PM.
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1