Canadian Rapid Test

Hi All, this post is meant for Canadians for the most part. Anyone getting the Rapid Test at Shopper's Drug Mart before heading down to BVI? If so, was it completely acceptable for C&I?

Thx!

Nope. The US is ok with those- but not Canada- for returning travelers.

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/t...ellers-entering-canada#pre-entry-testing
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Accepted types of molecular tests
PCR - Polymerase chain reaction
Nucleic acid test (NAT) or Nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs)
Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP)
These tests use methods such as a nasopharyngeal (NP) swab, nose swab, or saliva sample.

Rapid antigen tests aren't accepted.
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I believe he's asking about entry into the BVI vs coming back to Canada.

That is correct BVIslandGirl, I am looking for confirmation the Shoppers Drug Mart Rapid Antigen Test (performed by the pharmacist) is sufficient for entering the BVI.
We have used the same test numerous times over the past 6 months when flying from Can. to US with no issues.

if you want to be sure, just use the eMed.com tests.

They will not ship the emed outside of US

that stinks. you need a freight forwarder like I have to user here. Everything is a Florida order!

So I can forward the tests from FL to my location in CAN. I would actually be in CAN when on-line and taking the test - which I'm sure can be traced to a certain extent, but location of testing shouldn't matter. Not sure ordering emed and having them forwarded to me in CAN is as convenient as taking the test at a local pharmacy here though.

they are designed for use while traveling. they don't care where you take the test.

Thanks All!

Another Canadian specific question . Doing some Covid insurance research . What have others used ?
So so thankful for this collective wisdom .
Thanks in advance …counting down to this ….

Why wouldn't a rapid antigen test from shoppers be accepted by the BVI? It is accepted for entry into the united states. "Travelers would have to produce a negative result for a RT-PCR or approved rapid
antigen SARS CoV-2 test taken no later than 48 hours before arrival in the Territory." although they do not specify what an approved antigen test is - I am assuming coming from a pharmacy, signed would be sufficient...This is the same plan that we will be planning on doing before heading to the BVI via the US and San Juan.

The difficulty will be getting back to the US if the US keeps the 24 hour antigen test requirement - as we would have to get a PCR test to enter Canada and an other rapid antigen within 24 hours - unlikely that the PCR tests would be available within 24hours window required by the US.

We will be heading down from Ottawa April 23 to May 1st - wish us luck! can't wait!

I completely agree that a test from Shoppers will be sufficient - it's the required test and it's signed by the pharmacist.

Coming home, our final couple days are at Scrub. We called them directly and they have someone on site to administer the PCR and have told us results will be to us between 12 and 24 hrs ... so that will work all the way around and they assured us - at Scrub - that we can do the test the morning prior to entering the USVI and we'll be good.

Kim, we purchased or covid/ quarantine insurance through Manulife Cover Me ... $86 (CDN) each. Not sure if it's the best, but looks like it's everything we require.

Slug - Hmm Interesting - We are also staying a night at Scrub Island Resort - I was thinking of making a stop in Spanish town to get the PCR test on the Friday - Our flight to Canada will not be leaving from US until the afternoon. Do you know what the cost of the PCR test at Scrub Island was running? thx!

Pretty sure they quoted 120 for the Antigen and 180 (US) for the PCR. A bit hefty but worth the convenience for us.

Have a look at SwitchHealth. They have Rapid Antigen tests (for your outbound travel) and RT-Lamp test for your return to travel. They send the tests to your home address in advance, and you self administer from anywhere (as long as you have internet)…results within the hour. Discounts for Aeroplan members…2 rapid tests for 80 and 150 for the RT-Lamp

https://switchhealth.ca/en/partners/aeroplan/#collectionKits

Thanks for this! - I am assuming that the RT Lamp is also accepted to enter the US? This might solve our problems! take the test Sat afternoon after arrival back at scrub....cheaper than testing at Scrub as well....

Thx for the option Dker. Interesting that the Rapid is a 2 pack but $150 for just one of the PCR ... but that's also CDN$ whereas Scrub is going to be about $230 CDN ... hmmm. Love to know for sure the Switchhealth PCR will be accepted in the USVI.

I’m sure the RT-Lamp would be acceptable for arrival back into BVI - it is considered a superior test to a rapid antigen which they do accept. If in doubt, it might be worth your while to get some more rapid antigen in case.

I’ve just completed my first set of tests (Swift Rapid Antigen) for travel tomorrow from YYC-IAH-SJU and onward to Tortola on Saturday…will post if I have any issues.

Slug - I’m not going to USVI so haven’t really researched specifically but a LAMP test is acceptable for entry into mainland US (reference CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html)

Good news if true! Now we just need the US to follow...

"Feds to eliminate pre-arrival PCR testing for fully vaccinated Canadian travellers, source says"

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coron...anadian-travellers-source-says-1.5778453

That headline is misleading. Canadians will still have to have at least an antigen test.

ah good point - I didn't see that in the CTV article. Funny the cbc article doesn't mention replacement of the PCR test with an antigen test. Both are positive news for fully vaccinated travelers- but getting rid of the test all together would be much better given how easy it seems to spread and the minimal negative health affects for fully vaccinated people.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/pcr-test-travel-canada-1.6347334

I guess we will have to wait and see - unfortunately the government has more pressing worries on their mind at the moment... luckily I don't live downtown but my heart bleeds for those residents....

I’ve just completed my first set of tests (Swift Rapid Antigen) for travel tomorrow from YYC-IAH-SJU and onward to Tortola on Saturday…will post if I have any issues.[/quote]

All good with the Swift rapid antigen for entry to US/Puerto Rico/BVI…no issues at all.

Some people on our flight to Tortola had PCR tests, it they were more than 48h old, so they had to get retested at the airport upon entry…

Thanks for the update Dker, good to know.