PCR test

Looking at the SXM website today. The PCR test timeline is changing from 120 hours to 72 hours as of July 1. I am concerned that I will not be able to get the results, submit the paperwork and get confirmation from SXM in that time frame.. Should I be worried?

Yes, to me, it makes the PCR test untenable. Suggest you look for an antigen test..

Not if you're prepared to pay. Because of many factors, I had to do the rapid NP PCR test. Even with 120 hour limit, the cheapie/free tests couldn't guarantee 2 or even 3 day turnaround. And, many of the PCR swabs were too shallow. Had to fork out $225 each, and the guy had to find the brain tickler variety of test. Got the results within an hour and now on the island.

They have been accepting the shallower swab PCR tests at least since November. That's what we had, and were approved. I do understand that the official page specifies the deeper one, but they're not enforcing that.

On TA someone posted that they got the ID Now test from Walgreens and it was accepted. That is a PCR test that doesn’t get sent out to the lab and is supposed to be less than 24 hours.

Mine was also the self administered PCR test that all i had to do was swab the inside of both nostrils. Was accepted also.

I went to a local urgent care yesterday afternoon for a rt-PCR test and had the result in my LabCorp portal when I woke up today.
I am more concerned about getting a test next week on island. While my host resort does have someone come on property on Wednesday mornings, I will be out diving during their window of availability. I looked at a link for testing sites and it seems many were morning hours only.

If you're staying at Atrium, SBR, Royal Palm, La Vista or Flamingo they do it starting at 5pm next to Hollywood Casino for 75. Results after 9 same day delivered to your resort.

Best to book times at https://medcare.aw/en/covid-test-appointments-sxm/

Yes, we ended up booking an appointment at Medwork, before we left home--once we finally felt we actually WERE going to leave!!!!

burke40, I just looked at the official website now and can not find that the time period for testing will change on July 1st. Could you please direct me to the site that declares that the time frame has changed. Thanks in advance!

Link

johnnyZ: the July 1st change is on the official site under requirements - third paragraph down.

Thanks - I will see if they take from other resorts. I'm at OBBR

I will be an "In Transit" visitor next month. It appears that the only requirement that I will NOT need to meet is the COVID insurance. Am I reading that correctly? The change to 72 hours may necessitate a second test in addition to the one I need for Anguilla (5 days).

The test for 72 hours is inside that 120 hr so you should be good with the one 72 hr test.

Scubaman, I'm not confidant that I'll get results back quickly enough to apply for approval from both SXM and AXA. Anguilla is very specific in their test requirements (nt-PCR, no self-administered, etc......). If the turn around time for results is longer than 24 hours, that seem tight. I read of people scheduling 2 tests, one at 5 days, and another quick one at 3 days. That may be an option. Then again , the rules may change again!

Read father down the page Other Travelers ...Line 1. Says USA and Canada travelers stays remains 120 hours.........etc etc

That’s until July 1. Right at the top of the page it says…

AS OF JULY 1 THE rt-PCR TEST MUST BE PERFORMED ON A NASO-PHARYGEAL SWAB WITHIN 72 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE BY TRAVELERS ORIGINATING FROM THE USA AND CANADA. ALTERNATIVELY THESE TRAVELERS CAN ALSO PERFOM AN ANTIGEN TEST WITHIN 48 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE TO SINT MAARTEN.

I did the PCR test at a CVS that was accepted by st maarten and had the results back within 24 hours.

Got it thanks!

The Walgreens ID Now test- I know you get results within 24 hours. So, If I am leaving on Saturday when should I get the test and have enough time to fill out the paperwork once results are in???

Thank you

We got the Walgreens ID Now test on Thursday for Saturday travel within the 48 hour window. We got our results in an hour from Walgreens and EHAS approved in 20 minutes. Delta agent did not like that the paperwork said NAAT test so be aware of that. We talked with her for 15 mins or so, have your docs printed out--the agent didn't like looking at my phone.