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Stricter US entry requirments being considered #270163
11/30/2021 09:19 PM
11/30/2021 09:19 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270166
11/30/2021 09:57 PM
11/30/2021 09:57 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
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I thought this was already in place? We had to test negative before we left SXM 3 weeks ago to return to US.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270167
11/30/2021 10:29 PM
11/30/2021 10:29 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
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These proposed requirements are more onerous, Louise. Testing one day prior to departure, retesting after arrival, and mandatory quarantine after arrival regardless of test results. Sheesh!!


[Linked Image]
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: fabila] #270168
11/30/2021 11:05 PM
11/30/2021 11:05 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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SXMScubaman  Offline OP
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Originally Posted by fabila
I thought this was already in place? We had to test negative before we left SXM 3 weeks ago to return to US.

Much more involved with testing before and after. Might want to read full article. We'll find out on Thursday.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270169
11/30/2021 11:41 PM
11/30/2021 11:41 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
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I tested 3 days after returning and quarantined until I got negative results.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270172
12/01/2021 06:34 AM
12/01/2021 06:34 AM
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MotownTim Offline
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Makes me have second thoughts about traveling to SXM this year. Not sure itโ€™s worth the hassle.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: MotownTim] #270174
12/01/2021 07:01 AM
12/01/2021 07:01 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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Originally Posted by MotownTim
Makes me have second thoughts about traveling to SXM this year. Not sure itโ€™s worth the hassle.

I am with you and that thought.


J.D.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270176
12/01/2021 07:32 AM
12/01/2021 07:32 AM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 291
South Carolina
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dvesc Offline
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We're supposed to arrive in two weeks. Our plan for return testing was to just do the Binax video monitored option. Assuming the test is still accepted with the new regulations, we'll just have to do it the day before we leave rather than three days out. However, if additional restrictions are imposed or we are required to get a lab test, we may end up postponing. The combination of this and the protests happening at once is a little much.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: dvesc] #270177
12/01/2021 07:34 AM
12/01/2021 07:34 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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As I posted in another thread, the cruise lines are now reacting to the French side situation.


J.D.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270182
12/01/2021 08:22 AM
12/01/2021 08:22 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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The "French Side situation" is a different issue. This relates to EVERYONE returning home to the USA and will be a real pain in the butt. I guess they don't put much faith in a negative result (two) for a vac'ed person if they are thinking about a one week quarantine for everyone. I don't think that will be part of the final requirement and I do realize that it takes time for the virus to be detected. Maybe daily tests for two weeks? (sarcasm)

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270183
12/01/2021 08:23 AM
12/01/2021 08:23 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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Since November 1, 2021 if you were fully vaxxed you did not need to test to enter SXM if you were from the US. Upon return to the US you needed a negative test within 3 days of arrival. And the US accepts the proctored tests from Abbott and Veritas Genetics. No quarantine upon arrival to the US and no need to test again once home

Last edited by kim; 12/01/2021 08:23 AM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270186
12/01/2021 08:31 AM
12/01/2021 08:31 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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Yup....but that potentially will change soon. Testing for everyone (twice) for those returning to the US. Quarantine is a maybe....I wonder if SXM will also change their entry requirements

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270189
12/01/2021 09:02 AM
12/01/2021 09:02 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
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I with Mowtown's post.

Unless I didn't quite fully understand this news article, I wonder about having to test one day before flights home. If my flight leaving SXM is scheduled for a Monday how do I get a SXM test on a Sunday?

I wish ALL governments set up testing at ALL airports to be done prior to departure.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270190
12/01/2021 09:05 AM
12/01/2021 09:05 AM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 291
South Carolina
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dvesc Offline
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As long as these tests are still accepted (they're approved for now), you can do it yourself with video monitoring on a Sunday.

https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-3-pack/

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270195
12/01/2021 09:16 AM
12/01/2021 09:16 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,346
Rhode Island
RonDon Offline
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Thank you for this post dvesc. I know very little about technology so having to"video" scares me more than trying to attach to that form froSXM Health. Easier to not go to SXM or fly anywhere else.

Until the government attempts to control my life more I can still drive cross country. But I'm sure that will change soon. Might as well use my vaccination card to wipe my A@@ it's not worth anything. I didn't want to get "stuck" in the first place but did it so I could travel to SXM.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: boucharda] #270215
12/01/2021 10:42 AM
12/01/2021 10:42 AM
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Posts: 291
South Carolina
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dvesc Offline
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According to this story, a quarantine requirement isn't likely to happen.

"A mandatory quarantine for US citizens returning home is not under consideration, according to a White House official."

https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news...01-21/h_ef7e40d7c981cb51a2000c2cd083bf24

Last edited by dvesc; 12/01/2021 10:42 AM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270216
12/01/2021 10:50 AM
12/01/2021 10:50 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
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Originally Posted by RonDon
Thank you for this post dvesc. I know very little about technology so having to"video" scares me more than trying to attach to that form froSXM Health. Easier to not go to SXM or fly anywhere else.

Until the government attempts to control my life more I can still drive cross country. But I'm sure that will change soon. Might as well use my vaccination card to wipe my A@@ it's not worth anything. I didn't want to get "stuck" in the first place but did it so I could travel to SXM.


I am 100% with you on all accounts. This was alleged to be the key to freedom to travel.


J.D.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270218
12/01/2021 11:10 AM
12/01/2021 11:10 AM
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Posts: 638
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foreversxm Offline
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Not being able to travel to really anywhere is the least of my concern if that happened. Unless the Gov is not telling us everything they know it sounds like a total knee jerk reaction to something we don't know fully about and many say is not going to cause any major sickness, much like a bad cold. More travel restriction would ruin world economies and life's. Talk about Gov control of everything we do. It has gotten beyond crazy.

Last edited by foreversxm; 12/01/2021 11:10 AM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270222
12/01/2021 11:42 AM
12/01/2021 11:42 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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I agree that it is definitely a knee jerk reaction but I don't go by what "many say" ....

.I would guess that the symptoms/effects of the strain would be at LEAST the same as the strains presently around which was kinda more than a bad cold for the over 1600 that died yesterday from the virus in the US

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270231
12/01/2021 12:44 PM
12/01/2021 12:44 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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I canโ€™t help but wonder how many of those 1600 were fully faxed.

As for me, Iโ€™m NOT planning on relying on โ€˜what many sayโ€™ or what the government, particularly this government under these circumstances, might or might not do.

I will live my life and at the same time I will fully respect the rights of others to make these choices for their own reasons. To each his own.

Weโ€™ve been back to the island three times since COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, each time complying with all the rules and suggestions. And I might add, they were three trips among the possibly 50 to 75 weโ€™ve made there over the years. No regrets and many great memories.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270243
12/01/2021 02:32 PM
12/01/2021 02:32 PM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4
Williamsburg, VA
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Jdcmcnaught Offline
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Williamsburg, VA
How are they going to be able to enforce a quarantine? People with a positive test here in the US are not doing that and no one seems to care.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270255
12/01/2021 04:06 PM
12/01/2021 04:06 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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The quarantine will not be part of the new restrictions....posted above

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: boucharda] #270268
12/01/2021 04:38 PM
12/01/2021 04:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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SXMScubaman  Offline OP
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Originally Posted by boucharda
The quarantine will not be part of the new restrictions....posted above

All speculation on the quarantine. Wait for the official announcement tomorrow then the court battle.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270271
12/01/2021 04:41 PM
12/01/2021 04:41 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,461
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
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Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: sxmmartini] #270272
12/01/2021 04:46 PM
12/01/2021 04:46 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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SXMScubaman  Offline OP
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Originally Posted by sxmmartini

That's no surprise.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270302
12/01/2021 08:46 PM
12/01/2021 08:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 243
Ontario, Canada
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CanadianCutie Offline
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Canada announced yesterday that any travellers that are fully vaccinated and arriving in Canada will have to have a PCR test done upon arrival and quarantine until you receive your results, which could be possibly be up to 72 hours. This is even though you have to have a valid PCR test done before you travel to Canada. Itโ€™s suppose to start in the next few days. This is not good news for the travel industry. If my accommodations for this January were refundable at this point, Iโ€™d seriously consider cancelling my vacation.

Last edited by CanadianCutie; 12/01/2021 08:47 PM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: CanadianCutie] #270313
12/01/2021 11:14 PM
12/01/2021 11:14 PM
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 246
Toronto, Canada
CanuckTravlr Offline
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Yes, we're in the same boat. I believe we are on the same WestJet flight down on January 13th. Our refundable period just expired, unless either Sint Maarten or Canada shuts down air travel. Since we are staying for 5 weeks we would take a big hit, so I guess we now consider ourselves committed!

The Canadian government hasn't provided a lot of details on the type of arrival test. I believe the current random tests on arrival for non-Canadians are rapid tests. I have no idea how they would process regular PCR tests for everyone, without hiring massive numbers of staff, and that is not likely to happen. About the only "good" thing, if I can even call it that, is that the tests are at their expense.

The quarantine info about what you can and can't do, until you receive a negative test result, are also a bit lacking in detail. We normally spend the night before departure, as well as our night of return back in Toronto, at the Sheraton Gateway. If we have to isolate in the hotel room on our return, then we will likely just cancel that stay and head straight home. At least at home we can isolate much more easily and in more comfort!

We still have 6 weeks, so I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that they will back off a bit and this is just a bit of an overreaction. We were so pleased when SXM eliminated the pre-arrival Covid test for those fully vaccinated. Hopefully that doesn't change either! Quite frankly, we feel much the same as you. Between all the new testing and potential quarantine hassles, plus the unrest on the French side, we would likely consider not coming after all.

P.S. - I sent you a PM.

Last edited by CanuckTravlr; 12/01/2021 11:47 PM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: CanuckTravlr] #270316
12/02/2021 12:19 AM
12/02/2021 12:19 AM
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 15
Cedar Rapids, IA
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Sknau Offline
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Doesnโ€™t Canada have a history of greater restrictions? Last spring a Canadian traveler on Dawn Beach told me he would have to quarantine in a hotel upon return. I think we are seeing reflex responses and options but that the actual rules may be significantly less onerous than those being currently discussed. The second to last thing Biden wants to do is put brakes on the recovery and economy. Much of this would get better if more people realized that real American patriots put what was best for the country foremost and became VACCINATED!

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270340
12/02/2021 09:33 AM
12/02/2021 09:33 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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It looks like the testing requirement for return to the US will be changed from 72 to 24 hours which brings up an issue with early AM flights on Monday back to the US since most places are not open on Sunday to perform the test.....

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270346
12/02/2021 09:57 AM
12/02/2021 09:57 AM
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Posts: 58
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CaribEagle Offline
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Massive over reaction!!

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270363
12/02/2021 10:45 AM
12/02/2021 10:45 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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Absolutely...and it shows zero Government confidence in the way Covid is/was being handled by them....if measures against Delta et al are not sufficient then the country needs an explanation rather than "We do not know yet"

I'm sure this will not be the last varient....we can't knee jerk and change everything to each new one....

Last edited by boucharda; 12/02/2021 10:50 AM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270371
12/02/2021 11:11 AM
12/02/2021 11:11 AM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 291
South Carolina
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dvesc Offline
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I think not knowing all of the details about the severity of the Omicron variant and its potential resistance to vaccines makes it impossible to have full confidence the existing measures would work. Until more is known, tightening restrictions rather than just hoping for the best is understandable. It's a hassle in some cases, but if it potentially reduces the chances I'll be on a plane in two weeks with Covid-positive travelers, I'm willing to deal with the inconvenience. Honestly, I'd feel better if testing was required to get into SXM like it was last year. I know that's not a popular opinion.

Last edited by dvesc; 12/02/2021 11:12 AM.
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: boucharda] #270375
12/02/2021 11:25 AM
12/02/2021 11:25 AM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,624
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
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No issue at all if you are carrying proctored, rapid antigen tests with you. With a decent WiFi connection you can take the test 24/7 and have the results in less than 20 minutes. Easy, peasy, lemon squeeze! Also, the testing requirements for reentry to the US is in days not hours, currently, so you might have 30 or 40 hours between your test and your flight.


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. ๐Ÿ˜
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270380
12/02/2021 11:48 AM
12/02/2021 11:48 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline OP
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SXMScubaman  Offline OP
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Recent article this morning about testing requirements.
LINK
No mention of quarantine.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270391
12/02/2021 12:07 PM
12/02/2021 12:07 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,461
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
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Winter COVID 19 campaign...

https://www.wcax.com/2021/12/02/biden-launching-winter-covid-19-booster-testing-campaign/

It covers making testing free for health care policy holders and stresses the importance of boosters for COVID 19.
Pfizer claims will have a vaccine for Omicron in 100 days? International travelers returning or entering the U.S.A need a negative COVID test within in 24 hours to entering the U.S.A. Mandatory masks on flights, rail and public transportation.
So basically we are back to square one and nothing is going to be normal...

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270393
12/02/2021 12:12 PM
12/02/2021 12:12 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 291
South Carolina
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dvesc Offline
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This links to the White House statement with some additional details.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing...iants-as-we-battle-covid-19-this-winter/

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: sxmmartini] #270397
12/02/2021 12:20 PM
12/02/2021 12:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,624
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
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bdeeley  Offline
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IT IS NOT 24 HOURS, BUT 1 CALENDAR DAY.

A HUGE, HUGE DIFFERENCE.


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. ๐Ÿ˜
Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: bdeeley] #270404
12/02/2021 12:54 PM
12/02/2021 12:54 PM
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Posts: 5,080
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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Quote
the White House has shelved tougher options, like requiring post-arrival testing or requiring quarantines upon arrival in the U.S.

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: SXMScubaman] #270406
12/02/2021 01:09 PM
12/02/2021 01:09 PM
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sxmmartini Offline
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A man returning to his home in Minnesota from a convention at the Jarvis Center in NYC has tested positive for the Omicron variant. So it begins...

Re: Stricter US entry requirments being considered [Re: boucharda] #270407
12/02/2021 01:10 PM
12/02/2021 01:10 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,624
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
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Originally Posted by boucharda
Quote
the White House has shelved tougher options, like requiring post-arrival testing or requiring quarantines upon arrival in the U.S.



And....?


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. ๐Ÿ˜
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