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New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 #270483
12/02/2021 09:59 PM
12/02/2021 09:59 PM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
S
smalbany Offline OP
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smalbany  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
According to the Washington Post, beginning December 6th travelers to the US will be required to show proof of negative test performed within 1 day of departure. This new requirement will apply to all travelers including US citizens and permanent residents returning to the US. The requirement will apply to all travelers without regard to vaccination status.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/12/02/covid-omicron-variant-live-updates

SXM Sponsors
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270487
12/02/2021 11:13 PM
12/02/2021 11:13 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Good news that it's now official and not just talk. Now people can plan ahead.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270514
12/03/2021 10:35 AM
12/03/2021 10:35 AM
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
S
smalbany Offline OP
Traveler
smalbany  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270519
12/03/2021 11:29 AM
12/03/2021 11:29 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
I just sent an email to Medwork to ask them if, due to these new testing requirements, whether they will begin testing on Sundays, to accommodate those returning to the US on Monday. I will post if/when I receive a response.


Carol Hill
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270522
12/03/2021 12:15 PM
12/03/2021 12:15 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Everyone, please know that I used this in November to return to the US.

https://store.optum.com//shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack

These can be taken on a Sunday. You just need internet and camera for the monitored test.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: BeachKitten] #270528
12/03/2021 01:02 PM
12/03/2021 01:02 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
we are very computer literate, but I am a little leery of doing that self-test deal, afraid I will screw it up.


Carol Hill
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: Carol_Hill] #270531
12/03/2021 01:14 PM
12/03/2021 01:14 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Originally Posted by Carol_Hill
we are very computer literate, but I am a little leery of doing that self-test deal, afraid I will screw it up.


Lol.. Carol, it is SO EASY! We have done several.

They walk you through the whole thing.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: BeachKitten] #270532
12/03/2021 01:18 PM
12/03/2021 01:18 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
OK..


Carol Hill
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270533
12/03/2021 01:22 PM
12/03/2021 01:22 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
TEST FROM HOME AT EMED.COM
After you receive your test, visit eMed.com/app/start-testing to begin your virtual visit. An eMed Certified Guide will join you in a video visit to guide you through the testing process. Collecting a sample is an easy and gentle process, no different than using a cotton swab to clean the inside of your nose. See technical requirements for more details.
GETS RESULTS IN 15 MINUTES
Test results will be made available to you right away from within the NAVICA app. When you receive your result, you will also receive a secure digital certificate in the NAVICA app. This certificate allows you to use your smartphone to store, display, and share your test results where applicable. You can also print from the email sent to you.

IMO, doing it in our room before we go out for the day is so easy. No appointments, no waiting, no other people around! Plus, $69 for two people is a bargain.

https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270535
12/03/2021 01:50 PM
12/03/2021 01:50 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Mikel Offline
Traveler
Mikel  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
I bought a 2-pack from Optum in October to use as back-up if the free tests we had scheduled at Walgreen's did not work out. My thought was that I could then use them to come home in February. The problem is that the tests I received were assembled last December and, even with the FDA extension of the expiration date to 1 year, will expire prior to February.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: Mikel] #270539
12/03/2021 02:06 PM
12/03/2021 02:06 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Originally Posted by Mikel
I bought a 2-pack from Optum in October to use as back-up if the free tests we had scheduled at Walgreen's did not work out. My thought was that I could then use them to come home in February. The problem is that the tests I received were assembled last December and, even with the FDA extension of the expiration date to 1 year, will expire prior to February.


Yeah, for people with long stays (or who order too far in advance) it may not be the answer.

As they state: “ Currently available test kits may expire as early as February 3, 2022. Please allow up to three business days for delivery. Ships via expedited service within the U.S. only. May not be purchased with other items.“


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: BeachKitten] #270546
12/03/2021 03:17 PM
12/03/2021 03:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,081
Massachusetts
Sounds like this might now be the way to go for the return.....kinda weird that if I ordered a pack of tests they would only be good until February

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: BeachKitten] #270562
12/03/2021 04:43 PM
12/03/2021 04:43 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 34
Milwaukee, WI USA
rterrones Offline
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rterrones  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 34
Milwaukee, WI USA
arriving on the island tomorrow and may be using this test. Question I have is, two tests need to be taken 3 days apart so final test on Friday before departure, but once test is started, how long until results are downloaded to the Navica app??

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: rterrones] #270576
12/03/2021 05:53 PM
12/03/2021 05:53 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Originally Posted by rterrones
arriving on the island tomorrow and may be using this test. Question I have is, two tests need to be taken 3 days apart so final test on Friday before departure, but once test is started, how long until results are downloaded to the Navica app??


Hi, I'm a little confused about why you are taking two tests 3 days apart? Has SXM entry changed?

US re-entry is within 24 of return.

The results are in the Navica app and emailed to you within 5-10 minutes are your test result. wink


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: boucharda] #270577
12/03/2021 05:54 PM
12/03/2021 05:54 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Originally Posted by boucharda
Sounds like this might now be the way to go for the return.....kinda weird that if I ordered a pack of tests they would only be good until February


Because of the large supply that they had. Then more batches will be produced. wink


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #270581
12/03/2021 06:15 PM
12/03/2021 06:15 PM
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 10
Avon, Ct
D
David Avery Offline
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David Avery  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 10
Avon, Ct
WiFi issues at our villa notwithstanding, this was dead easy. Download the app create a profile for each person being tested. The person proctoring the test via video call walks you through the test. It's really hard to mess up. Whole process took less than 30 minutes from start of test to receipt of results.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: rterrones] #270596
12/03/2021 08:55 PM
12/03/2021 08:55 PM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
B
Bahston Offline
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Bahston  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,880
Originally Posted by rterrones
arriving on the island tomorrow and may be using this test. Question I have is, two tests need to be taken 3 days apart so final test on Friday before departure, but once test is started, how long until results are downloaded to the Navica app??


Hopefully you have the eMed version of the test.

The Abbott BinaxNow test comes in two versions.

There is the version that you can buy at Walmart and CVS which has two tests per box, which you take three days apart. The Walmart/CVS version is not good for reentry to the US.

There is a second version. The eMed version, is valid for reentry to the US. As far as I know, the eMed kit can only be bought online. Some buy from eMed, others from Optum. The eMed version is a proctored test, where you connect up to the eMed website and a proctor will lead you through the process. The eMed version contains only one test per box, which you will use the day prior to your return to the US.

Results are available in the Navica app almost immediately, and you should receive an email from eMed shortly after.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: boucharda] #270604
12/03/2021 10:21 PM
12/03/2021 10:21 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
Traveler
bdeeley  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
Newly manufactured BinaxNow test kits are rapidly entering the market on a daily basis. Abbot labs has scaled manufacturing and is producing more than 10 million tests per month and continuing to increase capacity. The US government placed an order for 180 million test kits and Colleges, professional sports, school districts and private business have a need for more than additional 100 million.

The original test kits had a shelf life of 6 months, that has been extended to one year by the FDA and is retroactive to existing tests.

The best value per price is through eMed, you get 6 tests for $150 and about $15 for overnight shipping. For the 2 of us on our most recent trip, we took 3 tests with us in case a test was corrupted or showed a positive result, that way we could retest immediately.


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #271573
12/20/2021 07:34 AM
12/20/2021 07:34 AM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Mikel Offline
Traveler
Mikel  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Just wondering if anyone has recently ordered the BinaxNow 2-pack from Optum and if so, what is the expiration date. The website says they may expire as early as February 3rd and I would like to use one at the end of February. Thanks

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #271577
12/20/2021 08:27 AM
12/20/2021 08:27 AM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 291
South Carolina
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dvesc Offline
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dvesc  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 291
South Carolina
We received ours about three weeks ago and that was the expiration date. Shipping was pretty fast, so you could always wait until the beginning of February to order. I’d assume the expiration date would be further out by then. On that note, unless you’re absolutely sure nothing will change with your travel plans, waiting makes sense. We seriously considered postponing until May after we received the tests. Had we done that, it would have most likely been wasted money for the tests since they are set to expire in February.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: dvesc] #271584
12/20/2021 10:20 AM
12/20/2021 10:20 AM
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 160
Pittsboro, NC, USA
CarolinaSailor Offline
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CarolinaSailor  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 160
Pittsboro, NC, USA
Before you toss them in the trash, you might want to check that the BinaxNow test expiration has been extended either 3 or 6 months. This is lot number dependent. Best to check the Abbott website or call customer service as they would be able to reference lot numbers easier.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: smalbany] #271602
12/20/2021 01:57 PM
12/20/2021 01:57 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
Mikel Offline
Traveler
Mikel  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 298
Upstate, NY
The ones I purchased in October were already past the original expiration date when I received them. The extended date has now passed but I will hold on to them in case I want to use them (without telemed) for my personal use.

I leave January 1st and wanted to use one on February 23rd to return home. I will probably wait another week and give it another try.

Re: New US Testing Requirements Begin 12/6 [Re: Mikel] #271613
12/20/2021 03:07 PM
12/20/2021 03:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
I
IslandBoi Offline
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IslandBoi  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Sugar Land, Tx
we ordered a 2-pack from Optum ($69.99) on Dec 6 and received on Dec 9...original expiration date shown on the box is 11/13/21, but a sticker has been added saying expiration date has been extended by 3 months, so expiration should now be Feb 13


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