Forums39
Topics39,307
Posts318,798
Members26,656
|
Most Online3,755 Sep 23rd, 2024
|
|
Posts: 1,176
Joined: December 2004
|
|
23 members (Alltech63, rkitek, pandpfromcanada, PML, louismcc, Todd, SXMScubaman, SoakInSaltwater, WWII, Carib_Ian, mark37, marybeth, Todd_Melinda_K, GeorgeC1, xrayman67, CanuckTravlr, 7 invisible),
1,546
guests, and
64
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 447
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 447 |
Is this test acceptable for SXM? At least it sounds like some progress is being made - I'm hopeful for my January trip
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
That is not an acceptable test for travel to SXM...right now it has to be the RT-PCR nasal swab test
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,785 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,785 Likes: 1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
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....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,785 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,785 Likes: 1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
Best wishes!! I hope you are able to do your trip. Please keep us updated when you can.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,506 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,506 Likes: 1 |
Thanks Bob and hoping to see you . Kind regards. Lesley .
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
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?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 148
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 148 |
Just read on SMN news the government is considering extending the Covid test out from 3 days to 5 days. Hope this happens.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
THAT would work......maybe. Definitely more potential for success
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
I wouldn't necessarily believe anything on SMN news, but 5 days would be a huge difference.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,597 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,597 Likes: 1 |
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....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
Thanks. Not excited about a second test, but five days before is a big improvement!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,339 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,339 Likes: 1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,309 Likes: 2 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,912
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,912 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
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: 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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,912
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,912 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278 |
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"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,689
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,689 |
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."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,737
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,737 |
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??
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,689
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,689 |
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."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 763 |
...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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 572 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
Harry--You can't get there to the French side..
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Traveler
|
Traveler
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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000 |
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.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,788 Likes: 1 |
Great! Sounds good so far!
Carol Hill
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 447
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 447 |
Thanks - was wondering if RI as going to help out us "Massholes"
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,108 Likes: 1 |
Good work and thanks for the info....and...have a great trip
Last edited by boucharda; 09/11/2020 02:14 PM.
|
|
|
|
|