Testing

David and I are scheduled to depart on Thursday, March 25. Whether SXM has 120 hours or 72 hour testing/results before we travel we can't find any place to do the test on the weekend so we have to be testing the Monday before. The government run testing site rep we spoke to couldn't confirm the testing is Rt-PCR. She didn't know what that was? Is a SARS-COV-2 PCR testing or COV-19 Rapid Antigen Test acceptable if anyone knows?

Louise--who knows at this point?????? This is the link to the official government website, which shows the requirements. As to whether it's 120 or 72 hours for the RT-PCR test, that is open to question at this point.

For the antigen test, this is what is says, if the site can be believed. "Alternatively, travelers originating from a country that is categorized as high can do an antigen test for the SARS-COV-2 virus obtained from a naso-pharyngeal swab performed within 48 hours prior to departure to Sint Maarten. Only the following antigen tests are approved: the Becton Dickinson (BD) Veritor Plus, the Abbott Panbio, the Abott BinaxNow and the Roche/SD Biosensor F antigen tests. Tests performed outside of the 48 hours period or other brand and type of antigen tests will not be accepted." For the Antigen test, they are not allowing other types of antigen tests, so check first to see if you can get the proper kind of antigen test and if not, then the PCR test is the only way to go.

I read all that Carol but thanks. It’s the ppl I’m speaking to here in NY who either aren’t offering RT-PCR or the turn around is 3-5 business days which doesn’t work for us.

So, you need to look at the antigen test.

If you look at the question and answer for test on the Government FAC page here is what the answer is.
"The rt-PCR test sample should be taken within 120 hours and the antigen test sample within 48 hours prior to departure to St. Maarten (last leg in case of connecting flights)."
Unbelievable the confusion this causes. And no mention of an exemption if US or Canadian.

Jeff Berger still says its 120 for US and Canadian visitors. Who the heck knows at this point.

We don't leave until 6/1 and I know things will have changed by then....one way or another. But, our departure is on a Tuesday which could further complicate things by today's rules. Would we go with the antigen test on Monday and hope we get results or the RT-PCR test on Friday and cross our fingers? Is there testing on the weekends? Man, this is such a pain....

Some places do test on the weekend, yes. Suggest you try to find a testing site that qualifies under the current rules and see if they test on the weekend now. ....although everything could change before June..

Wait and see what the requirements are as you get closer to that date. Lot can change between now and then. Our flights are in May and I'm going to do the same.

He does not make the rules and regulations.

No but he said he had a direct conversation with high up Gov official. No mention of who.

Perhaps he should advise them to coordinate their websites then.

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