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US to require negative test for returning international flights
#244700
01/12/2021 07:05 PM
01/12/2021 07:05 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,880 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,880
Auburn, WA
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244735
01/13/2021 02:15 AM
01/13/2021 02:15 AM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
PelicanPirate
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Joined: Aug 2012
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-...ternational-air-passengers-idUSKBN29H2KDIm sure the NYT article was good but need a subscription. Here is Reuters equivalent. Interesting CDC official said concern vaccine may not cover mutations. Also, someday all domestic flights might have rqmt. All I can say is this testing better become as easy as buying a candybar at the airport or it will further dent people’s plans to start traveling.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244736
01/13/2021 06:39 AM
01/13/2021 06:39 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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The Reuters article is in the Daily Herald today. DAILY HERALD
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244738
01/13/2021 07:46 AM
01/13/2021 07:46 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 225 Kansas
liwarren
Traveler
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Posts: 225
Kansas
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CDC Expands Negative COVID-19 Test Requirement to All Air Passengers Entering the United States Media Statement For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 Contact: Media Relations (404) 639-3286 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19. This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more efficiently protects the health of Americans.
Variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continue to emerge in countries around the world, and there is evidence of increased transmissibility of some of these variants. With the US already in surge status, the testing requirement for air passengers will help slow the spread of the virus as we work to vaccinate the American public.
Before departure to the United States, a required test, combined with the CDC recommendations to get tested again 3-5 days after arrival and stay home for 7 days post-travel, will help slow the spread of COVID-19 within US communities from travel-related infections. Pre-departure testing with results known and acted upon before travel begins will help identify infected travelers before they board airplanes.
Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger.
“Testing does not eliminate all risk,” says CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, “but when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations.”
This order was signed by the CDC Director on January 12, 2021 and will become effective on January 26, 2021.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244745
01/13/2021 08:30 AM
01/13/2021 08:30 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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#1 They have not stated what kind of test
#2 You really think we have the capacity to test every US passenger?
#3. OMG only 3 days? Seems many can't even get that in the US
Last edited by BillandElaine; 01/13/2021 08:32 AM.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: PMagistro]
#244755
01/13/2021 09:35 AM
01/13/2021 09:35 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,436 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
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Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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I have a brief trip scheduled later this month - arriving 1/26 and leaving on 1/31.
When I booked the trip I was fully aware of the PCR test requirement within 120 hours of arriving as this is consistent with requirements in other areas. I understand that SXM now requires travel insurance, but I don't see where this can in fact be purchased.
I am very concerned about not be able to get a test (which one?), and get the results 3 days before I'm supposed to return. Does anyone have any guidance about what's involved in getting this test? Where? How much? Etc?
I know postponing the trip seems like the smart decision. However, if everyone does this, it will truly cripple the local economy and I hope there is a way to make this work.
Any guidance would be appreciated. You purchase the insurance when you file for your EHAS approval. Can't help you with the required test to return.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: Leagle49]
#244756
01/13/2021 09:49 AM
01/13/2021 09:49 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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I am with you guys. I am almost at the point of cancelling my air and taking the credit and just eating my commitment on lodging as this has disaster written ALL over it.
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244757
01/13/2021 09:55 AM
01/13/2021 09:55 AM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166
Arlen, TX
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Here is FAQ from CDC. FAQ details what type of test is accepted. I have a trip planned for mid-February. Because I'm confident that it will all be ironed out by then, I have no intention of changing my plans.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: BillDauterive]
#244760
01/13/2021 10:03 AM
01/13/2021 10:03 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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Thanks for the link but NO mention of how the international departure points are to prepare or handle this. Very little thought by the CDC about how this should be handled or the impact on travelers and the departure countries.
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#244761
01/13/2021 10:05 AM
01/13/2021 10:05 AM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166
Arlen, TX
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Thanks for the link but NO mention of how the international departure points are to prepare or handle this. Very little thought by the CDC about how this should be handled or the impact on travelers and the departure countries. Yep. And because of this, I'm pretty confident that this will either go away or change significantly. It was poorly crafted and not well thought-out. It can't stay like this. Too many countries lack the infrastructure and documentation capabilities to support this.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: BillDauterive]
#244764
01/13/2021 10:11 AM
01/13/2021 10:11 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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Thanks for the link but NO mention of how the international departure points are to prepare or handle this. Very little thought by the CDC about how this should be handled or the impact on travelers and the departure countries. Yep. And because of this, I'm pretty confident that this will either go away or change significantly. It was poorly crafted and not well thought-out. It can't stay like this. Too many countries lack the infrastructure and documentation capabilities to support this. 100% agree. Very sad to screw up something like this with what appears to be a TOTAL lack of any forethought by the CDC, imagine that!
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244765
01/13/2021 10:13 AM
01/13/2021 10:13 AM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166
Arlen, TX
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Another thing.... airline gate agents will become the arbiters of which documentation is acceptable. So if I present a PCR test that I purchase on the island, is that good enough? If I present documentation of a positive test and recovery (a letter from my healthcare provider), does the gate agent decide whether this is acceptable? This can't stand as it is written. I'm gonna shut-up now, before I get into a political diatribe about the workings of the CDC ...
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: bslk]
#244766
01/13/2021 10:14 AM
01/13/2021 10:14 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
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We are scheduled to arrive Feb 28 leaving end of March I don't see any problem for us. Do you really think the island is capable of testing EVERY passenger returning to the US? I hope I am wrong, but unless something changes, I see a potential BIG problem.
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244770
01/13/2021 10:40 AM
01/13/2021 10:40 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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PM just said we will be prepared to provide the test.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#244771
01/13/2021 10:43 AM
01/13/2021 10:43 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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JD - what? The US plan isn't clear? Shocking !
Last edited by BillandElaine; 01/13/2021 10:46 AM.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244775
01/13/2021 11:00 AM
01/13/2021 11:00 AM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 916
badbenni
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 916
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I'm sure the airlines and St Maarten Government will find a way to get people tested for travelers leaving the Island for USA. Tourism is 100% the economy.
Last edited by badbenni; 01/13/2021 11:01 AM.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: badbenni]
#244777
01/13/2021 11:12 AM
01/13/2021 11:12 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,436 Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,436
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
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I'm sure the airlines and St Maarten Government will find a way to get people tested for travelers leaving the Island for USA. Tourism is 100% the economy.
It's not just St. Maarten, this will completely kill international tourism to and from the US.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: GaKaye]
#244778
01/13/2021 11:17 AM
01/13/2021 11:17 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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I'm sure the airlines and St Maarten Government will find a way to get people tested for travelers leaving the Island for USA. Tourism is 100% the economy.
It's not just St. Maarten, this will completely kill international tourism to and from the US. For sure. And to Elaine, yes, the US "Plan" is very unclear and leaves LOT to be desired!
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: badbenni]
#244780
01/13/2021 11:22 AM
01/13/2021 11:22 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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I'm sure the airlines and St Maarten Government will find a way to get people tested for travelers leaving the Island for USA. Tourism is 100% the economy.
And at another added cost. You keep throwing on $30 to $100+ charges and many will say the heck with it and stay home.
J.D.
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: BillandElaine]
#244782
01/13/2021 11:41 AM
01/13/2021 11:41 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,654 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,654
Brookfield, CT.
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#1 They have not stated what kind of test
#2 You really think we have the capacity to test every US passenger?
#3. OMG only 3 days? Seems many can't even get that in the US Kudos for your post, Elaine. Much as I hate to say it, and wanting to be in SXM as much as anyone can want, this directive, should it stand, may well be the straw that breaks my camel’s back. I know how much we personally went through trying to get our tests and approval to visit after Thanksgiving and I know it put a bit of an over-all damper on the trip for us. And then we had a bit more stress in getting our negative tests upon our return. All worth doing, but more stress, nonetheless. I just don’t know that I’m willing to jump through anymore hoops and much as I love the island. I don’t think I can believe it will be ready and able to handle multiple planes full of passengers all needing testing for the same flights. I fully agree the safety of everyone needs to be the most important consideration but there does become a limit to what some of us are willing to deal with in the hopes of a good vacation. And I’m not even thinking about costs here - just more added requirements to honor. The question becomes, “Is it really worth it?”
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#244783
01/13/2021 11:42 AM
01/13/2021 11:42 AM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166
Arlen, TX
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Not trying to pile-on this mess, but this little tidbit that just occurred to me: The CDC is relying on citizens of a foreign country to enforce their rules.
Delta, United, Spirit, and American airline employees working at SXM are NOT US citizens. Yet they are charged with enforcing US law. How stupid is that? And, if a COVID+ passenger gets past this foreign airport screening, what are the consequences? What can the CDC do to punish a gate agent working in SXM (or Paris, or Berlin, or Tokyo)?
Yeah, great plan...
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: BillDauterive]
#244784
01/13/2021 11:51 AM
01/13/2021 11:51 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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US airline agents have been enforcing SXM and other countries rules for months. How is that different?
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: US to require negative test for returning international flights
[Re: BillandElaine]
#244786
01/13/2021 11:57 AM
01/13/2021 11:57 AM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 166
Arlen, TX
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US airline agents have been enforcing SXM and other countries rules for months. How is that different? Here's the difference: Gate agents have never been required to enforce CDC rules. They enforce immigration laws, but not CDC rules. So they will now be reviewing a variety of new and unfamiliar documents: Test results from different labs, as well as documentation of positive virus tests accompanied by a note from a doctor that approves travel. And these lab results and doctor notes will be in a variety of formats, and subject to agent interpretation (what if the doctor states that patient tested positive, but does not definitively state that patient is OK to travel?). It's a big mess. We can agree on that...
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