Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,432
Posts310,084
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
jazzgal 40
Todd 40
Member Spotlight
Angelface
Angelface
Washington, DC/SXM
Posts: 1,144
Joined: July 2002
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
34 registered members (Beansbbq, Kiles41, ColoBoater, Halcyon, Zanshin, Kathleen, RickinAtlanta, SXMScubaman, bailau, SURICK, OceanSong, JerseyPal, eightzerobits, CJIMI, CaribbeanCanadians, Donaegada, blooming, Fletch, cabokid, caribbeangirl13, timnboston, RickG, Fran, Bernd, 10 invisible), 921 guests, and 60 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
New testing site at PJIAE #250779
03/22/2021 08:02 AM
03/22/2021 08:02 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline OP
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
Government of Sint Maarten
2thSpofnsomreSdi ·
** COVID-19 testing facility now open at Princess Juliana Airport. **
The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richard Panneflek hereby informs the public that PJIAE in cooperation with Healthcare Laboratory (HCLS), has opened a COVID-19 testing facility at Princess Juliana Airport. Passengers who are traveling to US territory, both tourists and residents can make use of this facility from 11am until 4 pm daily. This service will offer quick and easy antigen rapid testing for $110. The Minister of VSA Richard Panneflek was invited and paid a work visit to the facility where he was met by Dr. Fey van de Dijs.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
SXM Sponsors
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250784
03/22/2021 09:01 AM
03/22/2021 09:01 AM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 785
East Texas
Jaybird Offline
Traveler
Jaybird  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 785
East Texas
I am not familiar with the time frame for results from the antigen test. Is this something that can be done upon arrival at the airport for your return flight?

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: Jaybird] #250786
03/22/2021 09:10 AM
03/22/2021 09:10 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
It is my understanding that results from an antigen test can be had within 15 minutes, so I guess the answer is 'yes'.. Although I think in under to check in, one has to already have their negative test result.


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: Jaybird] #250828
03/22/2021 04:32 PM
03/22/2021 04:32 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Offline
Traveler
SXMBND  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA

Not unless you are returning to U.S. within 48 hours of your arrival.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250830
03/22/2021 07:08 PM
03/22/2021 07:08 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,881
B
Bahston Offline
Traveler
Bahston  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,881
If one must get a test at the airport... I have words to say, I'm just not saying them.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250834
03/22/2021 08:31 PM
03/22/2021 08:31 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
I'm not sure I understand the negative comments about this. If I can arrive at the airport a couple of hours before my flight home, get my test and result in a timely manner, and therefore not disrupt my precious vacation time, a few dollars more is worth it to me. What needs to be published is the timing for results that are acceptable to the US airlines, as it's my understanding that the airlines are being held responsible for complying with the testing requirements.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250835
03/22/2021 09:10 PM
03/22/2021 09:10 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, GaKaye. My thoughts exactly, but are we missing something?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: GaKaye] #250837
03/22/2021 09:25 PM
03/22/2021 09:25 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by GaKaye
I'm not sure I understand the negative comments about this. If I can arrive at the airport a couple of hours before my flight home, get my test and result in a timely manner, and therefore not disrupt my precious vacation time, a few dollars more is worth it to me. What needs to be published is the timing for results that are acceptable to the US airlines, as it's my understanding that the airlines are being held responsible for complying with the testing requirements.

Right on.👍👍👍

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250841
03/22/2021 09:54 PM
03/22/2021 09:54 PM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
doctorj Offline
Traveler
doctorj  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
I would definitely do that versus wasting a vacation day.
Thank you for the great info.
carib cheers,
doctorj


It's Five O'Clock Somewhere........
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250856
03/23/2021 09:07 AM
03/23/2021 09:07 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
East Tennessee
lhbsurf Offline
Traveler
lhbsurf  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
East Tennessee
By the time we left and got back to our condo unit, it took us about half a day - and that was with a quick turnaround by the doctor's office. It was well worth it, but if we'd had the opportunity to do it at the airport, we certainly would!


Laura
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: GaKaye] #250858
03/23/2021 09:23 AM
03/23/2021 09:23 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Georgia--I agree with you. I have to assume that this is the reason why they are doing this, to allow people to do just that? Although as I said before, you would not be able to check in unless you have your negative test result, so this would have to be outside security. The other possibility is that they are getting this set up for the cruise passengers. However, to me it would make more sense if the cruise line does all the testing onboard ship.

I was hoping there would be something in the Daily Herald about this, but I haven't seen anything so far.


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: Carol_Hill] #250859
03/23/2021 09:31 AM
03/23/2021 09:31 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline OP
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten

There is a big tent set up I think near the employee parking is.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: lhbsurf] #250870
03/23/2021 11:26 AM
03/23/2021 11:26 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 lhbsurf
By the time we left and got back to our condo unit, it took us about half a day - and that was with a quick turnaround by the doctor's office. It was well worth it, but if we'd had the opportunity to do it at the airport, we certainly would!


Where did you go? We made 8:00am appointments before we left for the isla d. When we arrived at our appointment they took us both in, nasal swab and we left, went to the pharmacy in Simpson Bay and were sitting at Yacht Club by 8:30! Results arrived via email before we left to go back to the condo. I would definitely use Medwork again.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250871
03/23/2021 11:31 AM
03/23/2021 11:31 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Testing at airport is a good option for some.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: kim] #250873
03/23/2021 11:52 AM
03/23/2021 11:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Kim--thanks for the feedback on Medwork. That sure seems like a good option for those in Simpson Bay..


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: kim] #250875
03/23/2021 12:37 PM
03/23/2021 12:37 PM
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1
Columbus
P
ppchef Offline
Member
ppchef  Offline
Member
P
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 1
Columbus
How much was the test by Medwork?

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: ppchef] #250876
03/23/2021 12:41 PM
03/23/2021 12:41 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
According to this link, it's $70 for antigen test and $125 for PCR at Medwork.


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: kim] #250881
03/23/2021 01:56 PM
03/23/2021 01:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
Traveler
fabila  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
Kim I searched for Medwork but found nothing on Forum. Would you mind sharing details about location, hours, cost? Thank you

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fabila] #250882
03/23/2021 02:03 PM
03/23/2021 02:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Louise--I have posted the link to the SXM official site here SEVERAL times, which includes the information for Medwork, as well as a couple of other sites, including in the post right above yours. Link


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: Carol_Hill] #250886
03/23/2021 03:19 PM
03/23/2021 03:19 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
Traveler
fabila  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
Carol, I didn’t see the hyperlink and as I said I used the search feature for Medwork and it yielded no results. Thank you for pointed out the link.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fabila] #250887
03/23/2021 03:28 PM
03/23/2021 03:28 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Louise--I think you must have not been doing something right, as I got 15 responses by just putting in Medwork and 1 month.


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250895
03/23/2021 04:47 PM
03/23/2021 04:47 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,463
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
Traveler
sxmmartini  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,463
Vermont
Let us hope the new virus does not come to SXM. I am not sure the tests would be the same for this new strain that is starting to spread in Europe? https://www.barrons.com/news/we-are-in-a-new-pandemic-due-to-virus-variant-merkel-01616466604

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: GaKaye] #250896
03/23/2021 05:02 PM
03/23/2021 05:02 PM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Offline
Traveler
SXMBND  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
Originally Posted by GaKaye
I'm not sure I understand the negative comments about this. If I can arrive at the airport a couple of hours before my flight home, get my test and result in a timely manner, and therefore not disrupt my precious vacation time, a few dollars more is worth it to me. What needs to be published is the timing for results that are acceptable to the US airlines, as it's my understanding that the airlines are being held responsible for complying with the testing requirements.



My only concern is that you are relying on an absolute two to three hour result time or you aren't leaving. Too risky for me with the airport folks involved.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: sxmmartini] #250898
03/23/2021 05:18 PM
03/23/2021 05:18 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by sxmmartini
Let us hope the new virus does not come to SXM. I am not sure the tests would be the same for this new strain that is starting to spread in Europe? https://www.barrons.com/news/we-are-in-a-new-pandemic-due-to-virus-variant-merkel-01616466604

Current vaccines are effective to this variant. All the more reason to get vaccinated.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: sxmmartini] #250899
03/23/2021 05:33 PM
03/23/2021 05:33 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Wendy--how does this have to do with the original topic of this post??


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: Carol_Hill] #250901
03/23/2021 06:31 PM
03/23/2021 06:31 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 93
F
fanprsxm Offline
Traveler
fanprsxm  Offline
Traveler
F
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 93
Hello everyone
I have been subscribed to this site for a while and always enjoy and learn from the contributions of members. Even I don’t contribute much.
I love St. Maarten and is my favorite and happy place in the world where I mentally “escape” when I need solace and peace.
I d visited every ear for the last 30 years even after Hurricanes Luis and Irma. Five months after Irma (even we were destroyed by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico) I went to try to help a couple of friends there.

I was also there Feb 2020 when corona virus was not the most important issue.

Beside that, I’m trying to understand why so many members of this site during the pandemic go through a lot of hardship, procedures, risks, uncertainties to get there. Unless you are assisting with your expertise you are not needed there yet.


Why not rediscover options around our towns, neighborhoods. It will be simpler and easier for everyone even san Martians that have to deal with additional outside contagions.
Thank you for your feed back.

Luis

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fanprsxm] #250902
03/23/2021 06:42 PM
03/23/2021 06:42 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Plane and simple. St Maarten needs us for their economy and are well equipped to welcome tourists that want to go.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fanprsxm] #250905
03/23/2021 07:16 PM
03/23/2021 07:16 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
fanprSXM--Sorry, I totally disagree with your principle. Sint Maarten's people NEED tourists, period. Those that can see their way clear to jump through all the hoops to go to the island are VERY needed and appreciated.


Carol Hill
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fanprsxm] #250908
03/23/2021 08:00 PM
03/23/2021 08:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Originally Posted by fanprsxm
Hello everyone
I have been subscribed to this site for a while and always enjoy and learn from the contributions of members. Even I don’t contribute much.
I love St. Maarten and is my favorite and happy place in the world where I mentally “escape” when I need solace and peace.
I d visited every ear for the last 30 years even after Hurricanes Luis and Irma. Five months after Irma (even we were destroyed by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico) I went to try to help a couple of friends there.

I was also there Feb 2020 when corona virus was not the most important issue.

Beside that, I’m trying to understand why so many members of this site during the pandemic go through a lot of hardship, procedures, risks, uncertainties to get there. Unless you are assisting with your expertise you are not needed there yet.


Why not rediscover options around our towns, neighborhoods. It will be simpler and easier for everyone even san Martians that have to deal with additional outside contagions.
Thank you for your feed back.

Luis


What makes you think we're not doing both? We've been supporting our local businesses since the beginning of this pandemic, by ordering carry-out meals when restaurants were closed, and later visiting restaurants in person when they opened. We also jumped through all the hoops to spend our usual three weeks in St. Martin this past November/December, knowing that the island economy relies on tourism. We posed no threat to the island residents, as we knew we were healthy, and we contributed quite a bit to the island's economy during those three weeks. The island does need us, and they want us to be there.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: Carol_Hill] #250911
03/23/2021 08:17 PM
03/23/2021 08:17 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,259
Kennys Offline
Traveler
Kennys  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,259
Thanks Carol and Scubaman.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: BillandElaine] #250919
03/23/2021 09:48 PM
03/23/2021 09:48 PM
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 42
N42.8 W78.8
S
sxmParrotfish Offline
Traveler
sxmParrotfish  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 42
N42.8 W78.8
Couldn’t disagree with fanpr more. St Maarteners ( martians ? Lol) need us now more than ever. While we certainly patronize local establishments ( very difficult to do btw as we are in NY and restrictions are onerous to say the least) we will jump through whatever hoops SXM requires to visit if they will have us. We’ve visited 3 times since Covid and it’s gradually picking up but nowhere near usual levels. We got tested to go , most recently had to get tested to return ( only took about an hour and a half total - went to a pharmacy on the French side) and had to get another test at home to return to work! So not really worried that I might be bringing a contagion to SXM. The real point is, SXM is hurting economically and we love the Island so we decided to visit. The airlines are checking health documentation very carefully ( from what we observed)so the risk is minimized. The Islanders are getting vaccinated as well. Anyway, why judge ? Stay at home if you’re uncomfortable but the rest of the world needs to return to normal ASAP.


Formerly " Parrotfish" approx join date .. sometime in 2001
SXM lover since 1999...
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fabila] #250926
03/24/2021 07:02 AM
03/24/2021 07:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Originally Posted by fabila
Carol, I didn’t see the hyperlink and as I said I used the search feature for Medwork and it yielded no results. Thank you for pointed out the link.


Louise, when you use the search feature, it's important to check the "search entire posts" box to get the best results. The default is "search titles only", and you won't get a hit on anything that doesn't have your search word in the actual title of the post. Hope this helps.

Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: kim] #250935
03/24/2021 08:50 AM
03/24/2021 08:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
East Tennessee
lhbsurf Offline
Traveler
lhbsurf  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 179
East Tennessee
Doctor's office in Phillipsburg. No complaints, but it took a lot of time including driving there and back, finding parking etc.

Edited to add: This was in early February and testing was difficult to find, especially if you wanted until the last minute, like some did. Some labs were turning people away with no available appointments. It seems there's a lot more information now and they have figured things out a bit better.

Last edited by lhbsurf; 03/24/2021 08:55 AM.

Laura
Re: New testing site at PJIAE [Re: fabila] #250943
03/24/2021 09:25 AM
03/24/2021 09:25 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 fabila
Kim I searched for Medwork but found nothing on Forum. Would you mind sharing details about location, hours, cost? Thank you



Louise - I Messaged David on FB the link.

https://medcare.aw/en/covid-test-sxm/


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1