A few weeks ago the United States overhauled its entry and testing requirements for travelers. Then last week the United States added a new Africa travel ban. Now there’s a new testing restriction for international travelers, which kicks in as of today, so I wanted to recap it. Personally I view this as being silly, even though it shouldn’t be a huge deal.
In this post:
New COVID-19 testing rules for international travel
The Biden administration has outlined new policies to “protect Americans against the delta and omicron variants as we battle COVID-19 this winter.” In addition to extending the federal transportation mask mandate, there are also new coronavirus testing rules around international travel.
As of today (Monday, December 6, 2021), the United States is requiring all international travelers bound for the United States by air to get tested within one day of travel:
- This applies regardless of nationality or vaccination status
- The test just needs to take place within one calendar day of when your travel to the United States starts; the timing isn’t based on when you arrive in the United States, and it’s based on the calendar day rather than having to be within 24 hours
- For context, previously vaccinated travelers needed to get tested within three days of travel, while unvaccinated travelers needed to get tested within one day of travel
- There’s no change to the type of tests that will be accepted, so rapid antigen tests continue to qualify
Retesting won’t be required for international travel (for now)
Prior to this announcement, there had been reports that there were discussions taking place about the possibility of requiring travelers to get tested three to five days after arriving in the United States. This won’t be introduced for now, though who knows if it may be introduced in the future (it seems unlikely to me).
Even if this were to eventually be added, one has to wonder how this would be enforced. I mean, the federal government can’t even figure out a way to get digital vaccine credentials, let alone manage something like this, especially with states having such differing policies on the Biden administration’s approach to handling the pandemic.
Could the US add quarantine for international travel?
It was initially reported that there were discussions happening about a potential seven day quarantine for those arriving in the United States, regardless of vaccination status. The good news is that a White House official has stated that this isn’t under consideration at the moment.
That’s not too surprising, since the legality of that for Americans is questionable to begin with, not to mention this would have almost certainly been unenforceable.
My take on the new testing requirement
Here are a few thoughts, as a non-scientist and non-epidemiologist:
- I don’t view this policy change as a huge deal, in the sense that it wouldn’t impact whether or not I choose to travel internationally; rapid antigen testing is fast and easy enough to get, and you can even bring a test kit with you when you travel
- Coronavirus testing for international travel is shady at best and a money making scam at worst, with no consistent standards; for four of the past five tests I’ve taken for international travel, my ID wasn’t even checked, so anyone could have taken the test on my behalf (and I had a friend who was told he was negative the second the swab was pulled out of his nose — seems legit!)
- This just seems like a very strange thing to focus on if the goal is to control coronavirus and convince people to get vaccinated, especially since it’s not like the omicron variant isn’t already in the United States
I think part of the issue with dialogue around coronavirus restrictions is that it’s so politically polarizing. People feel the need to attack or defend a policy based on who they voted for. It’s not really a secret who I voted for, but that won’t stop me from expressing my disappointment about the lack of “following the science” with the Biden administration’s travel policies:
- Biden kept the silly EU travel bans in place at a time when the region had very low case numbers, while places with significantly higher case numbers had no restrictions for travel to the United States; then Biden finally lifted that travel restriction at a time when cases in Europe were surging
- We still have a ridiculously high death count from coronavirus in the United States, so if the goal is to get as many people vaccinated as possible, maybe it’s time to start creating more policies that encourage vaccination, as we’ve seen in other countries; this new restriction only impacts vaccinated people, since unvaccinated people already had to get tested with this timeline
- Unfortunately this is all par for the course for how politics works; it’s always easier to make it seem like something is being done so that you’re not being blamed if case numbers do go up, because politicians don’t want to be accused of not having done enough
Bottom line
The Biden administration has introduced a tighter testing requirement for international travel as of today. International travelers now need to get tested within one day of travel, rather than within three days of travel, regardless of vaccination status. Fortunately that’s the only new restriction for now — we won’t see a retesting requirement after arriving in the United States, and we won’t see any sort of a quarantine requirement.
I don’t think this new requirement is a huge deal, since rapid antigen testing is easy, and you can even bring your own test kit with you when traveling abroad. That being said, this just seems like a strange thing to focus on, and it exclusively penalizes vaccinated people (since unvaccinated people already had to get tested within one day of travel). The lack of standards with international coronavirus testing for travel is a complete joke.
What do you make of this new testing requirement from the United States?
Its all a joke, mainly because Americans don't really care about COVID. The US has never had a quarantine, thus COVID spread, with resulting deaths , like wide fire. The quick antigen test is also a joke, and doesn't really do a good job, that's why almost ALL OTHER COUNTRIES require a full PCR test for entry.
This is all for theater, Americans don't care about COVID, 800,000 deaths and counting, relegating it to fourth...
Its all a joke, mainly because Americans don't really care about COVID. The US has never had a quarantine, thus COVID spread, with resulting deaths , like wide fire. The quick antigen test is also a joke, and doesn't really do a good job, that's why almost ALL OTHER COUNTRIES require a full PCR test for entry.
This is all for theater, Americans don't care about COVID, 800,000 deaths and counting, relegating it to fourth world status in the COVID battle, when only 60 percent nationwide are vaccinated. A global embarrassment.
Regarding "I don’t think this new requirement is a huge deal, since rapid antigen testing is easy, and you can even bring your own test kit with you when traveling abroad.", this indeed is a huge deal and impacting us big time since we flew to India on Thanksgiving day before the whole "omi-CON" mess started and did not plan or think to bring our own test kits with us.
We are to fly back...
Regarding "I don’t think this new requirement is a huge deal, since rapid antigen testing is easy, and you can even bring your own test kit with you when traveling abroad.", this indeed is a huge deal and impacting us big time since we flew to India on Thanksgiving day before the whole "omi-CON" mess started and did not plan or think to bring our own test kits with us.
We are to fly back to the US this weekend and can find absolutely no place in the city were in (Kolkata) where fast antigen tests can be taken, everyone only does PCR tests with no guarantee of getting the results back same day which we need (For the DEL-JFK AA flight leaving at 12:55AM). Since the flight leaves right after midnight on Sunday, I suppose we cant just take the test on Friday instead of Saturday morning since the 1 calendar day rule kicks in being slightly past midnight on Sunday.
nothing like flying to India when COVID is out of control, to satisfy self greedy pleasures, no business going there right now, except for exceptional reasons.
I just canceled an international trip for later this week. I'm tired of playing these clown games. Brandon and Fauci can....
This is just a farce. I have first hand knowledge of four people who landed at different airports on 11/8 and no one asked them about their vaccination status. Forget checking for the proof, no one even asked them and this is when rules for vaccinated vs unvaccinated were different.
Irrespective of the country, these covid rules are anti-science.
You might not think it a big deal, but I'm here in Dallas until Thursday BUT in order to get here because of flight changes etc. I had to route LGW-MXP-JFK, that could be tricky in 1 day when there's a longish layover.
Thanks for the update Lucky.
I've really been into the ease of home tests these days for rapid results.
I've heard that only some of the home tests are allowed. When traveling, I'd love to just pack one or two in my suitcase and do the test at my own convenience the day before. Do you know which tests are allowed?
Thanks!
-
Todd Guest
December 6, 2021, 6:20 pm
Helpful
-
masimons Member
December 6, 2021, 7:59 pm
Helpful
-
Fed UP Guest
December 7, 2021, 9:43 am
Helpful
2 more repliesI bought a 2-pack of the "Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag Card Home Test with eMed Telehealth Services" for $69.99 from here https://store.optum.com/shop/products/abbott-binaxNOW-COVID-19-ag-at-home-test-kit-2-pack
On abbotts emed.com website says the BinaxNOW is NOT for air travel, need to use their Covid-19 AG Card for that. Confusing at best.
that's a big joke. No other country would even consider such a Mickey Mouse self-administered test as proof. Only a PCR test at a recognized facility should be allowed.
Not so easy if you are flying from a city with no rapid testing. In Adelaide, Australia we do not have rapid Antigen testing available. I can only get PCR testing done. It costs $300 for results same day. Our flight from Adelaide to USA via Singapore will now cost me $1,200 for a family of four. We leave on Tuesday.
This "small change with little umpact" ignores the very real fact that many people do not start their journeys from major centres.
-
MDA Guest
December 6, 2021, 5:25 pm
Helpful
-
JDee Diamond
December 7, 2021, 12:20 am
Helpful
1 more replyJust buy them at the airport in Singapore - or find someone in Melbourne or Sydney to send them to you. Every time I go into a pharmacy in Melb, I am asked if I want to buy the tests!
You can buy rapid antigen test kits from any Chemist Warehouse in Adelaide
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/search?searchtext=rapid%20antigen%20test&fh=1
You are correct that it is just a moneymaking scheme. So don't enrich the testing companies. PDFs are easy to edit.
So American, rather than pay a few dollars I will break the law. Besides, there is no significant punishment for breaking a law in the US anymore. You can storm the Capital for 4 months with time served, you can break into a brawl at an airport to be escorted off the premises, you create chaos on a flight and be escorted off the flight with a threat to be added to a no fly list. So whythefuck not break the law?
This latest round of of restrictions and testing was done to buy time as they stated, because no one is quite sure what this variant is. Let's assume it's found to be no worse than the delta variant. Does ANYONE think they will roll this stuff back? I sure as hell don't.
Fact is more people are dying from this now than when Trump was president, and he didn't even have the vaccine. By...
This latest round of of restrictions and testing was done to buy time as they stated, because no one is quite sure what this variant is. Let's assume it's found to be no worse than the delta variant. Does ANYONE think they will roll this stuff back? I sure as hell don't.
Fact is more people are dying from this now than when Trump was president, and he didn't even have the vaccine. By Biden's own measurement, he is not fit to be president based on the number of deaths on his watch. This is 1000% political. Biden said during the campaign we will do this better, while offering no details. Just trust me, because I'm saying this with conviction. What happens when the next variant shows up, and the one after that. It will happen. More jabs...testing...3..4..5 masks? They can never tell you when it will be enough. I'm not big on civil disobedience. But at some point people need to start pushing back and remind these bastards who they work for.
The US is soo lax about the type of testing they will accept that testing is almost pointless. At least require tests that are accurate.
Absolutely true.... the entry requirements can be satisfied by anyone. Many countries are now adopting MANDITORY vaccinations for domestic travel too.
What is the point? I have already taken my 3rd jab and I have to follow these same restrictions. I was already hesitant booking international travel for next year, now I definitely will wait before making any plans. Such a disappointment.
In another word, in terms of managing Covid, this administration is as incompetent as the prior one. It has been nearly two years and the government still cannot figure out how to manage international travel. There are many countries have success in managing Covid. Why we cannot learn from them? Incompetent? Arrogant? or Both?
The vast majority of the population in almost all Countries likely doesn't give a shit about International travel so it's hardly the standard by which any Government is going to be judged when it comes to managing COVID
It would be difficult enough to find a place in the US to turn around a test in a day say nothing about a lot of places overseas. But a lot of these places you can get a fake negative test, which is what people might be forced to do.
I've gotten test results back for free within 12 hours. It really isn't that difficult, especially since you have a calendar day to do so. Easy to do if planning ahead. Buying a fake negative test? That is something a chump would do and I hope anyone who does that gets caught and fully prosecuted.
How come the government can mandate businesses to make people to get a vaccine, but for those that the government pays their medical bills such as medicare and medicade are not forced to get the covid vaccines? Not to mention those coming across the southern border. Why not give them a vaccine. This is just making no sense at all. I am a believer in the vaccines and 3x vax'ed.
Actually Gov knows they can't force vax's, but they are playing this card for as long as they can until the court takes it down. And it will. My company of > 7k employees has no intention of forcing anything.
If things get much worse this winter I can see some countries such as Singapore requiring airlines to conduct there own rapid PCR testing using a system such as Cepheid’s rapid point of care PCR system that returns a PCR test in 30 minutes as part of the checkin process so that fake test results etc can be eliminated.
Unfortunately the nationalism that is latent in many countries makes it politically expedient to take measures against those who come from other countries. Foreigners are always responsible for everything that is unwelcome and unpopular.
The measures currently taken against South Africa (travel isolation) for having shared with the world the interesting results of their work mean that next time somebody identifies a new variant, he or she will keep the results in a drawer for...
Unfortunately the nationalism that is latent in many countries makes it politically expedient to take measures against those who come from other countries. Foreigners are always responsible for everything that is unwelcome and unpopular.
The measures currently taken against South Africa (travel isolation) for having shared with the world the interesting results of their work mean that next time somebody identifies a new variant, he or she will keep the results in a drawer for fear of silly international reactions against the country.
In various European countries Omicron case have been identified in people who had never been to South Africa.
From what I have read this morning, the US too has cases of Omicron in people that have not been overseas.
"I don’t think this new requirement is a huge deal, since rapid antigen testing is easy, and you can even bring your own test kit with you when traveling abroad"
You may want to be careful giving this kind of broad advice and/or setting these expectations. At least add a disclaimer that this may not be the case for all countries. There ARE countries that do not allow you to provide a test kit or...
"I don’t think this new requirement is a huge deal, since rapid antigen testing is easy, and you can even bring your own test kit with you when traveling abroad"
You may want to be careful giving this kind of broad advice and/or setting these expectations. At least add a disclaimer that this may not be the case for all countries. There ARE countries that do not allow you to provide a test kit or even rapid testing to LEAVE their country. Kenya is one of them and I know from experience. Nothing short of a PCR test would even get you in the door of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to take your flight back to the U.S.
Exactly. In fact, self-administering a COVID test may be considered a criminal act in some countries where such testing is reserved only for qualified medical personnel. I would not take such a risk, especially in parts of Africa where anti-US sentiment over COVID is higher than I have ever seen it before.
Lucky, Do you have experience taking a proctored test over video chat? Like the BinexNOW to return to the US. Can you share your experience with us?
-
Doha Guest
December 2, 2021, 5:57 pm
Read more
Helpful (1)
-
Josh Guest
December 2, 2021, 10:24 pm
Read more
Helpful (1)
-
LAX Guest
December 3, 2021, 12:56 am
Helpful
2 more repliesI can share.....
I took one in October while in the UK to return home. I took 3 of the binax tests (just to make sure), and went on to the emed website, hit "test now", and within 30 seconds had a nice person walk me through the process. It is easily the easiest, by that I mean straight forward and well organized test I have used anywhere. 20 minutes after starting I had...
I can share.....
I took one in October while in the UK to return home. I took 3 of the binax tests (just to make sure), and went on to the emed website, hit "test now", and within 30 seconds had a nice person walk me through the process. It is easily the easiest, by that I mean straight forward and well organized test I have used anywhere. 20 minutes after starting I had a PDF in my inbox that I printed and was accepted without question at London Heathrow. Just gone on line to buy them for my wife and son for our Christmas trip to the UK.
Best of luck and don't worry.
I know your question was directed at Ben but I’ll chime in and say that I took one of the Abbott Binax proctored exams last month, to be cleared to take a cruise. The exams cost $100 for 3 and they arrived quicker than promised. The process for both ordering and taking the tests was very clear and easy but you do need a good internet connection and a smartphone with a camera, in order...
I know your question was directed at Ben but I’ll chime in and say that I took one of the Abbott Binax proctored exams last month, to be cleared to take a cruise. The exams cost $100 for 3 and they arrived quicker than promised. The process for both ordering and taking the tests was very clear and easy but you do need a good internet connection and a smartphone with a camera, in order for the test to work. You also need to create an account to get the exam results (instructions provided in the exam box). The process took less than 30 minutes from start to finish for each person. Do note that there’s an audio portion to the test (think of it like a FaceTime call), so if you have more than one person testing I’d recommend doing them consecutively rather than concurrently (or at a minimum in separate rooms and on separate devices).
The only warning I’ll give is that 1 of our 3 exam kits was defective (which we had no way of knowing until exam time), so the proctor invalidated that kit and we were left to find a rapid test site on our own, for one person in our traveling party. Fortunately we were in New York and testing is widely available there. It was nonetheless an inconvenience and a bit stressful as well, given we were in an unfamiliar city, but we made it work. In the future, I’d absolutely buy 2 per person, just for the peace of mind.
Results are emailed immediately. I believe ours were available within less than 10 minutes after disconnecting from our call.
Hope that’s helpful.
In general they are super easy and fast. I’ve used them a few times now.
The only thing to keep an eye on is how the Philippines are doing, as that is where their call centers are located.
The very first time I used it, Manila happened to go on lockdown, so it was tough to get a proctor online as the center was short-staffed. It was resolved in a few hours so no big deal, but worth keeping in mind in case you are traveling when there happens to be an outbreak there.
So today I was at a conference in Helsinki. The previous night Ireland added a Covid test requirement within 48 hours starting on the 3rd and I’m flying to DUB.
I spent two hours waiting for a rapid antigen test that cost an eye watering 195 euros.
Then the lab lost the sample, and I had to go to another location 6 hours later and take another example.
They’ve refunded the charge and made things...
So today I was at a conference in Helsinki. The previous night Ireland added a Covid test requirement within 48 hours starting on the 3rd and I’m flying to DUB.
I spent two hours waiting for a rapid antigen test that cost an eye watering 195 euros.
Then the lab lost the sample, and I had to go to another location 6 hours later and take another example.
They’ve refunded the charge and made things right, but the point is it’s not all that simple to just roll up and get your quick Covid test in every country.
Also voted for this administration and would do it again, but this is just infuriating, once again vaccinated folks have to suffer the consequences. And yes, this is completely a knee jerk political reaction. What a bunch of BS.
-
Will Guest
December 2, 2021, 4:48 pm
Helpful (2)
-
BBK Diamond
December 2, 2021, 9:34 pm
Helpful
-
Ole Guest
December 6, 2021, 6:43 pm
Helpful
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 3, 2021, 12:09 am
Read more
Helpful
3 more repliesTotally logical to keep voting for incompetence
At least is comforting to know they got some real, alive voters.
At least this incompetence isn't advising Americans to inject bleach in their veins.
It isn't a "knee jerk" political reaction. Countries around the world are reacting in similar ways. There is a lot we don't know about this variant and it is best to slow the spread of it as much as possible until we know what we are dealing with. If anything I think the US is being to soft in dealing with this variant given how easily it seems to spread. People coming from south africa...
It isn't a "knee jerk" political reaction. Countries around the world are reacting in similar ways. There is a lot we don't know about this variant and it is best to slow the spread of it as much as possible until we know what we are dealing with. If anything I think the US is being to soft in dealing with this variant given how easily it seems to spread. People coming from south africa should have been put into mandatory quarantine on arrival and tested for a few days to confirm they did not have the virus. Instead the US is letting them wander the community exposing others. It is the holiday season. This could be devastating for the country with all the travel. You only get one shot at slowing this thing. If it turns out they were wrong to be soo concerned they can just roll back some of the restrictions.
Of the world- you’re triple vaxxed and double masked and then you say “my fear is”.
You’re triple vaxxed and double masked and still afraid?
You and people like you are the reason these nonsensical restrictions still exist. Not the dirty unvaxxed you despise so much.
And instead of taking that booster, maybe you should be pushing for us to get that dose to poorer countries so they can get their first vax. You know,...
Of the world- you’re triple vaxxed and double masked and then you say “my fear is”.
You’re triple vaxxed and double masked and still afraid?
You and people like you are the reason these nonsensical restrictions still exist. Not the dirty unvaxxed you despise so much.
And instead of taking that booster, maybe you should be pushing for us to get that dose to poorer countries so they can get their first vax. You know, as self righteous as you are, I figured you’d care about them more than yourself.
-
Notmyname Guest
December 2, 2021, 5:23 pm
Helpful
-
CHRIS Guest
December 6, 2021, 8:51 pm
Helpful
1 more replyWho are you kidding. Both sides are to blame. The antivaxxers AND those with an unhealthy level of fear, i.e. perma maskers.
Personally, I wish they'd do away with mask mandates and withhold COVID care from those who didn't have a legitimate medical/religious exemption to get the vaccine. It's the only way this will ever get to a point where we can move forward.
A lot (most) of the unvaccinated are minorities. Why do you hate black people?
I keep laughing at anyone who got vaxxinated.
LOL
Doesn't stop transmission, can still get covid.
Can still die.
Doesn't cover new variants.
Big pharma gets rich.
Travel restrictions the same.
Talk about a bait and switch.
Talking to vaxxers is like talking to Charlie Brown. Their just always going to get the football pulled at the last second. They can't stop being suckers.
-
FMLAX Guest
December 2, 2021, 2:49 pm
Helpful (1)
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 2, 2021, 3:31 pm
Read more
Helpful (1)
-
gizmosdad Guest
December 2, 2021, 10:33 pm
Helpful
2 more repliesCool. Hope you don't end up on r/hermancainaward
Doesn't stop transmission, can still get covid. - There was always going to be breakthrough infections but it does drastically reduce the chance of being infected. They are still studying how the new variant will impact it but there will likely be some benefits.
Can still die. - The vast vast majority of people dying are the unvaccinated. Only a small percentage of vaccinated people die. Also being vaccinated drastically reduces the chance of having...
Doesn't stop transmission, can still get covid. - There was always going to be breakthrough infections but it does drastically reduce the chance of being infected. They are still studying how the new variant will impact it but there will likely be some benefits.
Can still die. - The vast vast majority of people dying are the unvaccinated. Only a small percentage of vaccinated people die. Also being vaccinated drastically reduces the chance of having to be hospitalized and has been shown to have shortened the length of having covid if infected.
Doesn't cover new variants.- Scientists don't know this yet so I'm not sure how you think you know. At worst the vaccinations may not be as effective on variant but again most of the people being hospitalized from variant are unvaccinated people so preliminarily it seems vaccinated people are still doing better if infected with variant than unvaccinated people.
Big pharma gets rich. - Not sure what this has to do with effectiveness of vaccines
Travel restrictions the same.- For now until we learn how much protections the vaccines provide against variant.
Irony is if people got vaccinated the virus would not have been able to keep infecting people at such a high rate and we wouldn't have such a high risk of mutations with new variants like this.
So you never get a flu shot because it doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu?
You never wear a seatbelt because there's no guarantee that it will save your life in a car crash?
Alternatively you can just fly to Mexico and walk across the border. Hassle free!
Reading the press release, there appears to be no restriction as to the type of COVID test needed before flying back to the US. Does this mean, as Ben suggests, I can bring my own home test with me (we will be at a Game Reserve in South Africa the morning before we fly out - likely no easily accessible facilities on site). The trip is planned for March, and we are flying from PLZ...
Reading the press release, there appears to be no restriction as to the type of COVID test needed before flying back to the US. Does this mean, as Ben suggests, I can bring my own home test with me (we will be at a Game Reserve in South Africa the morning before we fly out - likely no easily accessible facilities on site). The trip is planned for March, and we are flying from PLZ to JNB with a long layover at JNB (which seems to offer rapid testing), so that may be an option.
Strongly suggest you check the specific outbound requirements of the country you are going to be traveling from.
Kenya required a PCR test to leave the country, irrespective of the destination country's requirements. I was there just last week. So, even though the U.S. accepted a RapidTest/test kit to return, I could not even enter the airport without a negative PCR test result. Rapid tests were also not available.
Test result documents were...
Strongly suggest you check the specific outbound requirements of the country you are going to be traveling from.
Kenya required a PCR test to leave the country, irrespective of the destination country's requirements. I was there just last week. So, even though the U.S. accepted a RapidTest/test kit to return, I could not even enter the airport without a negative PCR test result. Rapid tests were also not available.
Test result documents were checked no less than 4 times at different checkpoints prior to boarding. To enter the airport, on check-in, at immigration, and prior to entering the gate area for my specific flight.
We Americans seem to just LOOOOVE security theater. Take off your shoes, run streaking through the nude-o-scope, and now make pretend that spitting in a cup and saying an incantation 1 day before travel will make us safer than doing it 2 days before.
It's not really political. It's just that we need to be made to feel like someone is *doing* something about whatever it is we're worried about. We don't care whether that thing works or not.
I think the only real way to prevent spread is quarantine before departure and after arrival, even though it unrealistic.
Lucky - have you traveled with tests to return the us? Can you share which ones and your experience?
This sounds like more common sense from the Biden administration that will help slow the spread of COVID and save lives.
Common sense and Biden in the same sentence? -HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
I hope your comment was sarcastic
A few things that I’ve found to be very different around the world compared to the U.S.
1. The rapid antigen test has a very high probability for false negative. This is why most other countries do not accept the RAT.
2. In India, the UK, Australia, and quite a few other smaller countries which I traveled in, PCR test results are provided within 12-24 hours post collection. My ID has always been...
A few things that I’ve found to be very different around the world compared to the U.S.
1. The rapid antigen test has a very high probability for false negative. This is why most other countries do not accept the RAT.
2. In India, the UK, Australia, and quite a few other smaller countries which I traveled in, PCR test results are provided within 12-24 hours post collection. My ID has always been checked and the ID number included on the test report every time. I am not sure why this isn’t practiced in the U.S. I get a test done at least once every week due to the nature of my job. So my data set includes an excess of 150 tests.
3. The easiest testing experience has been in India. In India, I use Apollo Healthcare, which my organisation partners with. I book a sample collection directly from their app at a time of my choosing. An agent comes to collect the sample from my location, making it super convenient! My ID and credentials are checked prior to sample collection. I have received my reports within 16 hours every time.
4. Finally, the cost varies from country to country with costs around 7 USD in India and going to to 90 GBP in the UK. However, no place charges as high as 200 USD as mentioned by some in the comments. That’s ridiculous!
-
jetlaggedaf Guest
December 2, 2021, 2:35 pm
Read more
Helpful (1)
-
Jared Guest
December 3, 2021, 12:02 am
Helpful
-
Capt H Guest
December 2, 2021, 3:03 pm
Helpful
-
Jared Guest
December 3, 2021, 12:09 am
Helpful
-
Dylan Guest
December 2, 2021, 4:23 pm
Helpful
-
FF Guest
December 2, 2021, 5:43 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
DCharlie Guest
December 3, 2021, 12:05 pm
Read more
Helpful
6 more repliesI'm supposed to be in India this month, flying back at 3am on the 23rd via Doha. How would this work exactly? If I take a rapid PCR test with a sample collected as soon as I wake up on the 22nd is that good enough? Is that 12 hour window enough time to get results? I can carry a Binax now kit but I don't think anybody outside of the American carriers accept that...
I'm supposed to be in India this month, flying back at 3am on the 23rd via Doha. How would this work exactly? If I take a rapid PCR test with a sample collected as soon as I wake up on the 22nd is that good enough? Is that 12 hour window enough time to get results? I can carry a Binax now kit but I don't think anybody outside of the American carriers accept that and I certainly can't see the airport bureaucracy in Bangalore accepting it. I guess the fallback option would be to use the rapid pcr test facility in the airport but that would mean getting there 5-6 hours before my flight, something I'd want to avoid with the business lounges still closed there.
I suggest providing a sample on the 21st to be sure. However, early morning on the 22nd would be fine as well - inquire with the test agency on the time for report generation. Reports are generated and shared in electronic format.
Binax kits are not accepted in any country outside the US that I have visited. They are definitely not recognized in India. They are not approved by the ICMR in India and frankly, Binax kits are useless.
In Feburary 2021 I paid 255 Euro for a PCR test and 179 Euro for a rapid test in Helsinki Finland. I was connecting through Amsterdam on my way back to the U.S. and at that time you were required to have a PCR test 72hrs prior and a rapid test 4hrs prior to boarding your flight to Amsterdam. I think the prices were lower (or non-existent) for Finnish citizens, but that is what I paid as a foreigner in the country.
@Capt H - I paid EUR 89 for my test at the Aava Medical Center in Helsinki. A doctor examined me and provided me a test request. I think they charge EUR 189 if you perform testing without a doctor's note. This was in September this year.
In Amsterdam, I walked into the UMC and received my RT-PCR test for EUR80. No doc's note required. This was in October this year.
Not sure if prices have since changed.
Finland charges more…
I paid $250 for a rapid test at Dulles airport in order to board a flight to Kenya in October. The results from my "free" test at CVS two days earlier did not arrive in time to make the flight. I could not connect by internet to take the at home test prior to my return from Kenya, I ended up paying $75 to get a tech to come to my hotel at Nairobi airport...
I paid $250 for a rapid test at Dulles airport in order to board a flight to Kenya in October. The results from my "free" test at CVS two days earlier did not arrive in time to make the flight. I could not connect by internet to take the at home test prior to my return from Kenya, I ended up paying $75 to get a tech to come to my hotel at Nairobi airport to do the required test coming home. It had to be a verified PCR just to get into the airport terminal. Testing may be readily available and fast in the EU but testing in the US is still hit or miss and can be a real financial rip-off. I do not believe this one-day requirement will be a simple as many believe. Interesting how this thread has become a partisan political outlet for name-calling and harassment.
I agree - the current method in which this covid pandemic is being handled is a reflection of the dismal medical industry in the states; overpriced, inadequate and frequently too late.
A sample was taken, tested and results provided within 12 hours during my travels to rural Rwanda - for the equivalent of 10 USD. The person who collected the sample was professional, was wearing PPE and checked all identification. The samples were collected...
I agree - the current method in which this covid pandemic is being handled is a reflection of the dismal medical industry in the states; overpriced, inadequate and frequently too late.
A sample was taken, tested and results provided within 12 hours during my travels to rural Rwanda - for the equivalent of 10 USD. The person who collected the sample was professional, was wearing PPE and checked all identification. The samples were collected correctly and the results were sent to me email with an official tracking ID. If they can manage this in a remote part of Rwanda, surely it should be simple in San Fran or NYC. Alas, that has not been my experience when I needed a RT-PCR test for urgent travels for work outside the U.S. I was in NYC at the time. There seems to be a major disconnect between the government rhetoric and the medical practice with regards to the covid pandemic in the states. This is evident from the fact that we still rank are the top or near the top (Chinese numbers are probably fake) for the number of deaths due to covid, despite being the most powerful and financially strong nation! Simply absurd!
This piece is written before all the facts and requirements are confirmed and announced - very irresponsible.
For example, 1 day testing will start "next week" - which day of the week is that?
“Within 1 day of departure” (White House source) or “on day of departure = on calendar day of departure”? What is your source for the calendar day information?This is a huge deal in Europe for early morning departures to the US (common if connecting), where a test on calendar day of departure would be impossible, but no big deal on the evening before (<24 hrs = 1 day pre departure).
-
Luke Guest
December 2, 2021, 12:38 pm
Helpful
-
Neuron Guest
December 2, 2021, 1:13 pm
Helpful
1 more replyIf it is indeed by calendar day we are doomed. Have the AA Delhi to JFK flight departing Delhi at 12:55am. No way to have the test done after midnight!
yes, we need some more clarity in this issue
My flight is at 1am, does a test in the day before count? The one day rule would not be such a big problem if all airlines accept the eMed test that can be done online, but the problem is that only US airlines (UA/AA/DL) confirm they accept that.
basically day of departure doesn't count as a day... so technically the 1 day before can range of 24 hours 1 minute before to 47 hours 59 minutes before departure...
as OfTheWorld wrote "most of the comments ... seem to become more political than logical" and I agree. My own observation is that when a specific regulation (whether or not related to Covid) would not produce a clear result, the issue becomes strictly political. You go to FL and nobody wears masks but you better put one on when entering MIA. Any practicing doctor would tell you not to touch your mask with bare hands....
as OfTheWorld wrote "most of the comments ... seem to become more political than logical" and I agree. My own observation is that when a specific regulation (whether or not related to Covid) would not produce a clear result, the issue becomes strictly political. You go to FL and nobody wears masks but you better put one on when entering MIA. Any practicing doctor would tell you not to touch your mask with bare hands. Yet, I go to Starbucks and barista would adjust his mask 5 times touching the front before serving me coffee. Covid antigen tests in airports or third world counties are questionable the best. What is benefits of doing that at all? Perhaps, a few % of votes in the next election? It is all political, folks.
This accomplishes nothing more than additional inconvenience. Virus theater.
Let’s hope we can get a test on Boxing Day in London!
Regarding how they can enforcing the 1 day rule: airline checkin staff will enforce it. We were almost denied boarding in HKG by airline staff due to covid test records. When we arrived at LAX, no one checked our covid test certificates.
The problem I see is when other countries go to a one day requirement and they don’t accept rapid antigen. We can’t reliably get a rapid molecular (PCR or NAT) at a price less than $200 where I live.
Wow, the people in the comments here are so batshit crazy that I thought I was reading Gary Leff's blog for a minute, that's where the crazies (Gary himself is one of them) usually congregate.
This made me laugh because it is so true. I stopped reading Gary’s blog years ago because he was promoting his misguided political leanings.
So Brandon will also mandate that CVS and Walgreens open stores in developing countries so American citizens can get tested within 24 hours of their departure? Brandon never left his basement so he thinks the entire world operates like the US.
-
DCA Will Always Be "National" Guest
December 2, 2021, 12:10 pm
Helpful
-
Santastico Diamond
December 2, 2021, 3:46 pm
Helpful
-
Notmyname Guest
December 2, 2021, 5:44 pm
Helpful
-
E. Guest
December 3, 2021, 3:59 am
Helpful
-
Santastico Diamond
December 3, 2021, 11:28 am
Helpful
-
ptahcha Guest
December 2, 2021, 12:14 pm
Helpful
-
Santastico Diamond
December 2, 2021, 3:48 pm
Helpful
-
Giovanna Member
December 3, 2021, 5:45 am
Helpful
7 more repliesI had great luck with the Binax Now test meant specifically for travel. Had my results in about 20 minutes, tops. So while this is totally a PITA, it's not a huge inconvenience. And the tests aren't too expensive, but it's still an overall inconvenience. Of course NOBODY has ever checked my test results, so that's a clear failure, but otherwise it's a fairly seamless process. No foreign Walgreens/CVS necessary.
So, please explain me how that works. My understanding is that you can use Binax tests BUT you have to be live with a Binax person that can verify you are the one doing the test. Once that is done you will then receive an email confirming your status. Is that correct? I read that Binax has had many issues with availability of people to take those live calls.
1. No one checked your results, but I had mine checked 4 times from Airport entry to Gate in Kenya. At least some countries are doing this right.
2. Not all countries accept Binax or any test kit at all. Kenya again. PCR only to even get into the airport, much less get back to the US. YMMV on the "seamless" experience depending on your country of departure. I wouldn't say leaving Kenya was a PITA, but it certainly wasn't as easy as Binax or RAT.
Can you just buy them and bring them with? I was planning on a trip to London in January to see my family I have not seen in two years. I cried and cried at all of this. It will never end (was never meant to end). I want to travel back to the UK before we are banned forever from traveling. So I could pick up a BINAX Now at CVS and bring it to the UK? Take it day before I leave for the USA?
Apparently you need a special BINAX that comes with the app to a live test. A person from Binax has to see you swabbing your nose and taking the test. Those are not sold at CVS. The regular Binax are only for you to test yourself at home but it will not provide any proof you took it.
You do realize that US accepts antigen tests, which you can get results in as little as 15 minutes. Get the facts instead of standing on non-existent soapbox.
Read my post above. Many countries only allow PCR tests. It is not up to the US but to the airline. I know many people that are coming to the US that are taking PCR tests on labs in a foreign country and that is not a rapid result.
Asking as an European: who's Brandon??
We must follow the science
Lock up our borders
It's all well and good to say the new rule is one calendar day, not 24 hours, but the problem is that many airline staff go by hours. The old rule was three calendar days but I was denied entry to a Turkish Airlines flight by a staff member who strictly interpreted that as 72 hours. I wouldn't risk it, I'd get the test within 24 hours.
After two years of nonsense/chaos/waste of money and time, think back: If every country can act like China and enforce the zero-tolerance policy for like one month with strict quarantine plus testing. In just one month, the virus will have disappeared already and everyone will be back to their normal lives.
-
Dan Guest
December 2, 2021, 8:34 am
Helpful (1)
-
Dan77W Guest
December 2, 2021, 9:45 am
Helpful
1 more replyAfter two years of nonsense/chaos/waste of money and time, think back: If every country can act like China and enforce the zero-tolerance policy for like one month with strict quarantine plus testing. In just one month, the virus will have disappeared already and everyone will be back to their normal lives.
Selfish people and failed systems are the main reasons why we are still suffering from all of this chaos
@Dan
Oh yes let’s be like China, that’s the ticket! Still under the false notion that you can eradicate Covid from the face of the earth? That’s a fools’ errand considering other mammals can carry it too, or do you plan on vaccinating or killing all pets and livestock?! Your stuck in last year’s thinking!
"Coronavirus testing for international travel is shady at best and a money making scam at worst, with no consistent standards; for four of the past five tests I’ve taken for international travel my ID wasn’t even checked, so anyone could have taken the test on my behalf"
Can't speak on behalf of the US obviously, but both Australia and the UK have checked my ID every time I've had to take a test, either lateral...
"Coronavirus testing for international travel is shady at best and a money making scam at worst, with no consistent standards; for four of the past five tests I’ve taken for international travel my ID wasn’t even checked, so anyone could have taken the test on my behalf"
Can't speak on behalf of the US obviously, but both Australia and the UK have checked my ID every time I've had to take a test, either lateral flow or full PCR (passport for international tests, Medicare details for domestic Aussie tests). These are also being checked on departure (though not arrival it seems) at both ends.
As an aside, to travel from Australia to UK and Fiji, I had to take (1) a test on arrival at LHR, though that could have been up to day 2, (2) a test at T-72 to departure to board my flight home to Australia, (3) a test within 24h of arrival in Victoria, (4) a test on day 5-7 after arrival, (5) a test at T-72 to leave Australia and now (6) an arrival...
As an aside, to travel from Australia to UK and Fiji, I had to take (1) a test on arrival at LHR, though that could have been up to day 2, (2) a test at T-72 to departure to board my flight home to Australia, (3) a test within 24h of arrival in Victoria, (4) a test on day 5-7 after arrival, (5) a test at T-72 to leave Australia and now (6) an arrival test in Fiji, another (7) T-72 to return to Australia, (8) 24h test on arrival in Vic, (9) 5-7 day post arrival. So 9 tests to cover a total of 12 days outside the country.
Inconvenient as, and costly (although 4 of those inbound tests are covered by Medicare), but given the alternative (outbound travel being blocked for 18 months), I'll take it for now.
All of you screaming about "my rights" are the reason this pandemic will not end. You really do not care about your fellow Americans. No sacrifice for you. #pity
-
Robert85 Guest
December 1, 2021, 9:09 pm
Helpful (2)
-
Ryan Guest
December 2, 2021, 11:11 am
Helpful
-
Bstrd23 Guest
December 2, 2021, 12:28 pm
Helpful
-
Notbad41 Member
December 2, 2021, 9:17 pm
Helpful
-
E. Guest
December 3, 2021, 5:01 am
Helpful
4 more repliesNo Robert the current administration is loosing all of us reasonable people who followed all the rules. I’m double jabbed, have had the Covid, voted for a “return to normalcy” and yes even for me this is a bridge too far….. sorry, there is no end using this logic, no endgame, there will always be an excuse, it is becoming pretty clear.
losing*
@Ryan
I think you missed his point if that all you have to say…. Lol
I’m vaccinated and I believe that everybody shoulda me their own decision on vaccinated or not. If you want to risk it, go ahead. Who am I to tell you to put something in your body.
I also think the masks rules and plexiglass are the dumbest things since duck and cover.
The gov'ts never will allow it to end. We have civil rights and liberties for a reason. Like the right to freedom of travel and movement and not being imprisoned by governments.
You fell for the nonsense though - blame THE OTHER and never the Benevolent State. We have working vaccines. It is over but they will NEVER give up their control. EVER.
You don’t view the one day test as an issue??
In other Countries, it can be a major problem!
Biden says Omicron is no reason to panic. I think I know what panic looks like and this is it!
Quarantine of international arrivals for 7 days would kill travel to the US stone dead.
For Thanksgiving I drove. I had to stop twice to refuel. Like Kyle Rittenhouse, I too crossed state lines. At both gas stations the pumps were full of Let's Go Brandon, Brandon pointing to the price saying I did that, and F**K Joe Biden stickers. How long before we hit the lav on a flight or open a table tray and start seeing the same.
OK, let me get this straight...
For Thanksgiving, you drove? No kidding!
You stopped twice to refuel. Did you do some cutting the rug in a place called the "jug" with a girl named LindaLou during one of those stops?
Now your telling me that you have something in common with Kyle Rittenhouse. When you crossed the state line, were you carrying an AR-15?
Now it's "Let's Go Brandon". Is this...
OK, let me get this straight...
For Thanksgiving, you drove? No kidding!
You stopped twice to refuel. Did you do some cutting the rug in a place called the "jug" with a girl named LindaLou during one of those stops?
Now your telling me that you have something in common with Kyle Rittenhouse. When you crossed the state line, were you carrying an AR-15?
Now it's "Let's Go Brandon". Is this some kind of Dog Whistle?
Bet you can't wait to see the next flight to see the same.
So many comments
Great blog post Lucky
Great post!, I was in SMA 3 months ago in September for 3 days, it is indeed a beautiful and charming place. I didn't see many expats in the town square just a lot of young people from DF as they were celebrating their independence. I still haven't decided if I want to see more of SMA or spend time in Queretaro as it's only 45mns away,...we'll see.
Travel is for the rich deal with it
Also 80+ million people voted to elect 46
If you don’t like it move to a different country
Rapid tests are less reliable. So great, let's waste more resources dealing with false positives, all for a variant with very mild symptoms by all accounts, which is the exactly what you'd hope and expect from a variant of a virus peetering out.
If Joe really cared about stopping covid at the border, he would'nt have done everything possible to encourage illegal immigration at the southern border, where covid flows in freely.
FJB.
-
GBOAC Diamond
December 2, 2021, 1:08 pm
Helpful
-
Another Lump Guest
December 7, 2021, 2:25 am
Helpful
1 more reply@Another Lump:
So thanks for sharing how the Omicron virus really showed up in the US yesterday.
Some of us believed at first the report it was a passenger on flight from South Africa but I'm glad you straightened us out.
Huh? Your comment has zero connection with my post. Go back to your panic room.
From your article: "The good news is that a White House official has stated that this isn’t under consideration at the moment."
The very definition of creeping authoritarianism is when one feels relief that a proposed draconian policy was not implemented (not that it was never considered). Stay thirsty my friends
Btw- Ben, you've been wrong more than you've been right, GERMANY IS THE BEST!...take a lap man.
There was mention in this thread that some countries accept a positive covid test in some recent time window in lieu of negative PCR test (Canada is one such country), with the implication that "natural immunity" is the be all and end all.
In reality those countries doing so are doing it for a different reason. If you suffer an infection and recover completely within 10 days, a PCR test may still show you...
There was mention in this thread that some countries accept a positive covid test in some recent time window in lieu of negative PCR test (Canada is one such country), with the implication that "natural immunity" is the be all and end all.
In reality those countries doing so are doing it for a different reason. If you suffer an infection and recover completely within 10 days, a PCR test may still show you as positive for weeks or even months after you have recovered and are no longer contagious -- the test is so sensitive (because of sample amplification) that it can detect small amounts of fragments of the dead virus that a positive result is indeterminate.
I've gotta say that I'm more than a bit surprised about most of the comments, which seem to become more political than logical. So please let me offer some thoughts: I've just returned last night from my fourth long overseas (Europe) trip since beginning again in late July. I'm triple vaxed, and on the plane I'm double-masked, but my fear is about the pure dickheads who think they are above getting Covid - and passing...
I've gotta say that I'm more than a bit surprised about most of the comments, which seem to become more political than logical. So please let me offer some thoughts: I've just returned last night from my fourth long overseas (Europe) trip since beginning again in late July. I'm triple vaxed, and on the plane I'm double-masked, but my fear is about the pure dickheads who think they are above getting Covid - and passing any variant to us who have done what we can to be reasonably protected. And these guys who protest about almost everything are generally the same people who get REALLY sick (and infect lots of others) - but then act surprised when they find out that begging doesn't help when the hospital Covid wards are full!. As for the complaints here about the science being inexact, that's ABSOLUTELY TRUE, because any evolving disease (PS: I'm in Healthcare) requires equally evolving updates for the science to have any chance to offer updated protections for any of us! Having done consultations in five beautiful countries in the last two weeks, with more flights than I can add up, I'm sure that I was at some risk; and so you better believe that I will get re-tested when it makes sense on the 3rd to 5th day from now, to feel safe. But because I don't want ANY of us (even you Brandoners!) to get sick, I don't think that any of us should "piss & moan" about anything that gives us a better shot (bad word - maybe) at getting rid of this thing!! Happy travels to all...
-
Luke Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:23 pm
Helpful
-
Bo747 Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:43 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
JohnJohn Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:55 pm
Helpful
-
Widerightv Member
December 2, 2021, 1:12 am
Helpful
-
DCS Diamond
December 2, 2021, 6:10 pm
Helpful
-
Florian Guest
December 3, 2021, 11:37 am
Helpful
5 more repliesYour post in short is, those who think its overkill to double mask on planes after being triple vaxxed is "pure dickheads".
I completely sympathize with what you wrote, but your fears and feelings are just that, and most likely overkill to impose that on other people when there is a good chance this as a mitigation effort won’t make any difference, but the optics of such show the powers that be are doing something. In reality you’ve done your part, you’ve done everything to protect you and your family and should be commended. If there is...
I completely sympathize with what you wrote, but your fears and feelings are just that, and most likely overkill to impose that on other people when there is a good chance this as a mitigation effort won’t make any difference, but the optics of such show the powers that be are doing something. In reality you’ve done your part, you’ve done everything to protect you and your family and should be commended. If there is concrete evidence that is produced tomorrow that justifies this change then I’ll embrace it, but if this is just for an “abundance of caution” I’m sorry but at this point that’s not a good enough reason. That said stay safe and healthy!
Lighten up Francis.
You may be calling me a "dickhead"
But you sign off "Happy travels to all..."
So tell me OTW... are you bitch or are you sweetheart? Maybe you are a "Brilliant Disguise"
@OfTheWorld - I wish I could "like" your comment 10,000 times!
"I don't think that any of us should "piss & moan" about anything that gives us a better shot (bad word - maybe) at getting rid of this thing!! Happy travels to all..."
Seriously? If you actually believe we had a shot at getting rid of the virus, why whould you continue travelling around the world while complain about people who think they are "above getting Covid"? Stay home and don't piss and moan about cancelled trips. Thank you.
Seems like a knee jerk reaction since scientists have not determined whether this variant is a big problem yet. In any event, although a 24 hour turnaround rapid antigen test isn’t a huge hurdle for my business travel, a 24 hour PCR test turnaround would be difficult if not impossible. BTW, I’ve always had to show passport of drivers license for Covid travel tests, and I’ve done at least 20 of them, including the Abbott online one.
-
Evan Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:20 pm
Helpful
-
Alan Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:57 pm
Helpful
-
David Diamond
December 1, 2021, 2:33 pm
Helpful (1)
-
Donna Diamond
December 1, 2021, 3:12 pm
Helpful
3 more repliesI think Dr. Fauci said it best on this. As he stated in CNN interview (I forget when), this is not going to stop the variant coming into the US, but hopefully it buys the US enough time so they get some data on the variant (i.e. - severity of the illness, effectiveness of the vaccines, etc.).
Turns out the first case was already in the US even before the WHO announced a name for the variant.
Fauci has been a fraud since the beginning and has only focused on solutions that involved big pharma and ignored early treatments and recommendations to improve one's immune system. Imagine him telling Americans to "get their ass off the sofa, go outside get some exercise, and get some vitamin D from the sun". This would greatly benefit both vaxed and unvaxed.
So instead to tightening measures and loosening them up if it turns out Omicron isn’t a big deal, your suggestion is to just let things stay the way they are, and if Omicron turns out to be terrible, wish we’d have done more to slow it and basically have a COVID 2.0?
The variant is here. Remind me again when was the last time international testing requirements have been eased back by the USA? Things are better today than they were a year ago but the test requirements remain. And, it’s the height of hypocrisy to not test domestic air passengers and force the international travelers to test. I’m safer in the EU than I am at DFW airport.
Too many maskers feel they are as invincible with one on. I see distancing easily lowered with people wearing them by something that is far far far from a surefire safety net of life vs. death for them or others. These people are no better than the *antivaxer white people Trumpers* who are just as obnoxious. The only surefire way to be *safe* is to not be around anyone. And that means much greater than six feet. That would be too inconvenient for others.
In a few weeks there may be another variant, so this is unlikely to end. IATA called for an end on restrictions and testing for all vaccinated travellers.
Governments cannot keep changing regulations every week. People have prebooked non refundable tests to be told they to now take a PCR and pay again.
Airline staff are totally confused by all the changes and paperwork their staff have to check.
And frankly...
In a few weeks there may be another variant, so this is unlikely to end. IATA called for an end on restrictions and testing for all vaccinated travellers.
Governments cannot keep changing regulations every week. People have prebooked non refundable tests to be told they to now take a PCR and pay again.
Airline staff are totally confused by all the changes and paperwork their staff have to check.
And frankly I don’t care about Christmas. Many of us are looking beyond that
-
Alan Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:59 pm
Helpful
-
Kiwi Guest
December 3, 2021, 3:02 am
Helpful
1 more replyWhat difference does being vaccinated make? You can still transmit the virus as easily as anyone else. I would much prefer to sit next to the guy who just tested vice some untested vaccinated passenger who could easily be infected.
But to transmit the virus you have to have the virus in the first place. Being vaccinated reduces your chances of catching the virus fourty fold. Therefore implying being vaccinated is meaningless to virus transmission is misleading at best
In other covid news, a federal district judge blocked the US federal government from enforcing a vaccine requirement for government contractors in Kentucky (which filed the suit) as well as Ohio and Tennessee which joined KY in the suit.
Regardless of what any of our opinions are about covid strategies, only what is permissible under US law can be sustained. The repeated theme is that the Executive branch cannot unilaterally develop strategies which are contrary...
In other covid news, a federal district judge blocked the US federal government from enforcing a vaccine requirement for government contractors in Kentucky (which filed the suit) as well as Ohio and Tennessee which joined KY in the suit.
Regardless of what any of our opinions are about covid strategies, only what is permissible under US law can be sustained. The repeated theme is that the Executive branch cannot unilaterally develop strategies which are contrary to US law without the approval of federal legislators re: powers which have been reserved for the States.
You literally said vaccine works very well a few weeks ago.
I will certainly make every effort to meet the 24 hour requirement, but I'm not going to let that keep me from going home when I'm ready to go. My business travel rarely has me coming home when originally scheduled, often increasing one day at a time. With the 72 hour rule, I could test once and have 2-3 days of flexibility. Now, I'd need to test again every day. That's simply not convenient or...
I will certainly make every effort to meet the 24 hour requirement, but I'm not going to let that keep me from going home when I'm ready to go. My business travel rarely has me coming home when originally scheduled, often increasing one day at a time. With the 72 hour rule, I could test once and have 2-3 days of flexibility. Now, I'd need to test again every day. That's simply not convenient or realistic. I'm traveling to ensure that a U.S. factory has enough volume flowing through it to gainfully employee several hundred U.S. blue collar workers. Thankfully the PDFs I have from prior return to the U.S. tests are editable.
What would be your thoughts on transiting passengers ( that need to go through customs and collect their bags) who are only in the country for 3-4 hrs?
That would mean, that authorities would need to offer efficient testing facilities at the airport. If a PCR test result is required (which is common in entering most countries ) there will be no chance for 3-4 hr transits. I am flying EZE-IAH-SJO in January with a 4 hr layover in IAH. That’s why I am asking
Seems like a lot of commenters are suffering from Biden Derangement Syndrome
-
Dan77W Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:42 pm
Helpful
-
Ben L. Diamond
December 1, 2021, 5:41 pm
Helpful
1 more replyNope, just the policy.
I see some people focusing on a questionable policy choice, and others exhibiting clear signs of Biden Derangement Syndrome
This is beyond ridiculous. You are no more likely to catch Covid in an international destination than you are in any city in the US so this testing requirement just makes zero sense. Unless you live somewhere where Covid has been eradicated and they're making sure it doesn't come back, then this is going to accomplish nothing but hurt the travel industry.
On another note, all information coming from South Africa is saying that nobody...
This is beyond ridiculous. You are no more likely to catch Covid in an international destination than you are in any city in the US so this testing requirement just makes zero sense. Unless you live somewhere where Covid has been eradicated and they're making sure it doesn't come back, then this is going to accomplish nothing but hurt the travel industry.
On another note, all information coming from South Africa is saying that nobody is getting seriously ill from this variant. They've reported very mild symptoms in almost every case so this worldwide panic is uncalled for.
Honestly, we have vaccines and treatments for Covid now so it is time to return to normal life everywhere. Covid is not an emergency like it was a year and a half ago. Enough is enough.
Getting a PCR (or even an antigen) test within 24 hours of departure can be a problem in many countries. For example, some Pacific islands have once a week flights to Guam as their only connection to outside world. The test lab at the local hospital is only open Mon-Fri, so if the flight is early on Monday morning there is no way to comply.
Guam is in the USA
The politics of the situation are irrelevant at this point. The public, myself included, is missing so much information that we have no idea whether this is more dangerous or not. I have been vaccinated and got the booster and I do wear a mask when traveling. I am watching Delta decimate the hospitals in MN, where I live. From what I can see and from what I have experienced, travel restrictions are pointless, outside...
The politics of the situation are irrelevant at this point. The public, myself included, is missing so much information that we have no idea whether this is more dangerous or not. I have been vaccinated and got the booster and I do wear a mask when traveling. I am watching Delta decimate the hospitals in MN, where I live. From what I can see and from what I have experienced, travel restrictions are pointless, outside of the optics they do not actually prevent any spread. Frankly, get vaccinated, put a damn mask on, quit whining about it and go ahead and travel. We will always be behind the curve with variants at this point and we will continue to have a significant portion of the population that will be impacted by [insert variant name here] as 30 some percent of the US population refuses to do what they should and I don't see that ending anytime soon as it is a useful political and moneymaking tool. Given that, get vaccinated, put your damn mask on and go ahead and travel safely. Pull the restrictions as I don't think they make sense and move forward.
-
Alex Z Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:23 pm
Helpful
-
Santastico Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:42 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
steven kapellas Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:56 pm
Helpful
2 more repliesCouldn't have said it better myself, I applaud you!
"I am watching Delta decimate the hospitals in MN" Really? Covid is not even news on MN news anymore. How about you mention that there is a shortage of nurses since many of them are on strike outside the hospitals walking around with signs on the street? Yes, I've been to these places and have seen them. How many people are dying from Delta? Maybe stupid people that did not get a vaccine. Their problem....
"I am watching Delta decimate the hospitals in MN" Really? Covid is not even news on MN news anymore. How about you mention that there is a shortage of nurses since many of them are on strike outside the hospitals walking around with signs on the street? Yes, I've been to these places and have seen them. How many people are dying from Delta? Maybe stupid people that did not get a vaccine. Their problem. Stop blaming unvaccinated people for Covid. It will never go away. Not everyone gets the flu vaccine. BTW, I never got the flue vaccine and never got the flue. Couple years ago my doctor convinced me to et the flu vaccine. Guess what? I had the flu 3 weeks later. Go figure. Treating vaccinated people like unvaccinated will only give people more ammunition to not get the vaccine. Also, how many booster shots are you willing to take? My neighbor said he would take one everyday if CD says so. Talk about brainwashing.
This! Spot on.
Such ridiculous nonsense.
And remember this is the same government that promotes unrestricted border crossings of thousands of untested and unvaccinated of migrants, scattering them all over the country. Then, of course, there is the refusal to accept natural immunity from recovered cases. Meanwhile, more inane requirements for returning vaccinated or recovered American citizens.
We the USA should test/quarantine arrivals if necessary. Other countries shouldn’t ban Americans from visiting though vaccinated or not, you need our money and will provide good service for it
Fuck outta here, this is a complete joke. I'm not even surprised by the nonsense that creeps up everyday, I'm just disappointed.
Now this, this is a correct take
It is not easy to get rapid antigen testing in several countries. For instance, in Oman, you can only get PCR.
In Turkey, most places insist on doing PCR. Then you get the report/result through their health department with the red stamp and everything. Same in Oman. Everywhere I have been, IDs are thoroughly checked and tests are done properly. None of those places were "shady".
While the US only requires a rapid/antigen test in theory, the actual practice by airlines and other countries is far different in my experience. Granted my experience is a single data point, I wouldn't be surprised to see similar across the world for places/airlines not known for critical thinking.
I flew QR in the last few weeks. They demanded a PCR test to board the plane back to the US. It didn't matter that...
While the US only requires a rapid/antigen test in theory, the actual practice by airlines and other countries is far different in my experience. Granted my experience is a single data point, I wouldn't be surprised to see similar across the world for places/airlines not known for critical thinking.
I flew QR in the last few weeks. They demanded a PCR test to board the plane back to the US. It didn't matter that the US only required a rapid test. They scoured my document for several PCR related phrases. I imagine they just implement this policy to take all possible "thinking" away from crew/staff. Trying to get a PCR test taken and done within 24 hrs of departure is quite a feat. Not impossible, but it will certainly have the unintended consequence of preventing many from coming back.
Kenya itself also required PCR tests to leave. Again, they did not care about specific US criteria. Rapid tests were not even offered anywhere.
Basically, vaccinated and unvaccinated are now treated the same, signaling that "vaccines don't work/don't matter". Sorry, but this is totally unacceptable.
ALL RESTRICTIONS on vaccinated people need to go! No more excuses, no more disgusting virtue signaling, no more taking cues from mainstream media hysteria/propaganda outlets!
I will celebrate the day that Biden and his handlers are dragged out of Washington, appear before a judge and are sentences to life in prison for...
Basically, vaccinated and unvaccinated are now treated the same, signaling that "vaccines don't work/don't matter". Sorry, but this is totally unacceptable.
ALL RESTRICTIONS on vaccinated people need to go! No more excuses, no more disgusting virtue signaling, no more taking cues from mainstream media hysteria/propaganda outlets!
I will celebrate the day that Biden and his handlers are dragged out of Washington, appear before a judge and are sentences to life in prison for gross human rights violations and anti-Constitutional behavior.
-
Icarus Guest
December 1, 2021, 1:06 pm
Helpful
-
Ed Guest
December 1, 2021, 1:08 pm
Helpful
-
Leslie Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:21 pm
Helpful
-
dee Guest
December 1, 2021, 5:41 pm
Helpful
-
Widerightv Member
December 2, 2021, 1:35 am
Helpful
4 more repliesAnd you prefer trump ? Lol. At least you have someone intelligent and literate in the White House. Not an ignorant xenophobic imbecile.
Looks like the flame baiting troll Icarus is back,
Wow, Icarus suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome. #Sad.
What are you smoking? WH occupant is" intelligent and literate"??? NUTS he cannot give a 3 minute speech without going out to LUNCH!! Ed you are right on...
Damnit Dee; I was going to say intelligent and literate??? But you said it before me.
Anything this dumb administration wants to do like this is music to my ears.
Their approval rating is already in the toilet. Mainly because they are in so far over their heads. Requiring more useless travel theater like this will only accelerate their collective demise in '22 and '24. Idiots.
This latest "variant" was around LONG before these dumb restrictions just restarted. And 20 more will follow it.
Full disclosure: Non-Trump voter in case it matters.
#NotMyPresident
This guy is a complete idiot. Also, jail Fauci.
-
Florian Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:46 am
Helpful (1)
-
MikeL1986 Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:02 pm
Helpful
-
mdande7 Diamond
December 1, 2021, 12:10 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
Bo747 Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:19 pm
Helpful
-
ARN_SEA New Member
December 1, 2021, 2:21 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
Smwpdx Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:23 pm
Helpful
-
Mark Guest
December 6, 2021, 5:47 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
UA-NYC Guest
December 1, 2021, 8:21 pm
Helpful
-
FMLAX Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:58 am
Helpful
8 more repliesOpinions from the trailer park
Let me guess: you were cheering when the last guy introduced a travel ban but testing is idiotic?!?
Testing is idiotic. You are no more likely to catch Covid in an international city than you are in any city in the US so why do you need to test to come home? Unless they're going to test you every time you leave your home to do anything, then this will accomplish nothing. The only way this would make sense is if Covid was eradicated in the US and we were trying to prevent it from returning. Travel restrictions have done nothing to stop the worldwide spread.
While loathing the Trumpster Fire, I never denied he was OUR president. In fact, I was called on that by some republicans saying people shouldn't say Trump isn't our president. I would tend to agree. We have a President, just one, and he's ours whether we like it or not.
Also, jail Faucci? for following science? You might not like what he has to say, but he's been the foremost scientist in OUR government since...
While loathing the Trumpster Fire, I never denied he was OUR president. In fact, I was called on that by some republicans saying people shouldn't say Trump isn't our president. I would tend to agree. We have a President, just one, and he's ours whether we like it or not.
Also, jail Faucci? for following science? You might not like what he has to say, but he's been the foremost scientist in OUR government since 1984, yes, he started under Reagan. and served under republicans and democrats
Just remember now more people have died of Covid over this President over than the last…..if you hired him to put the “adults back in charge” (as I did), once partisan blinders are lifted you w
quickly come to the same conclusion….. this guy is an idiot!
Thank you professor!
The 425,000 deaths we saw in Trump’s 10-plus months accounted for nearly 20 percent of all worldwide deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Since Biden took over, the world as a whole has seen more deaths in his 10 months (3.07 million) than the preceding 10 months (2.14 million), but the United States has seen fewer. In Biden’s 10-plus months, the United States has accounted for less than 12...
Thank you professor!
The 425,000 deaths we saw in Trump’s 10-plus months accounted for nearly 20 percent of all worldwide deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.
Since Biden took over, the world as a whole has seen more deaths in his 10 months (3.07 million) than the preceding 10 months (2.14 million), but the United States has seen fewer. In Biden’s 10-plus months, the United States has accounted for less than 12 percent of worldwide deaths, which is down from 19.9 percent under Trump. That’s a decline of more than 40 percent in our proportion of the worldwide death rate.
More people have died because of the highly contagious Delta variant and because so many idiots won’t get vaccinated. Republicans are doing everything they can to discourage and discredit vaccines.
@Smwpdx, do go on about how well the vaccines work. The way I see it, you all have to follow the same rules as the unvaccinated, but why? Is it because there have been more deaths this year than in 2020 when vaccines didn't exist? Variant after variant will keep coming and the reduction of your rights will continue to shrink. Keep pushing your bs views on the vaccine because after all your vaccinated right??...
@Smwpdx, do go on about how well the vaccines work. The way I see it, you all have to follow the same rules as the unvaccinated, but why? Is it because there have been more deaths this year than in 2020 when vaccines didn't exist? Variant after variant will keep coming and the reduction of your rights will continue to shrink. Keep pushing your bs views on the vaccine because after all your vaccinated right?? So you're 100% protected and just like Biden said (lied) in his speech earlier this year, if you're vaccinated then you cant get, spread or die from Covid. If you want a copy of his speech, I'll share it with you. Keep believing in the lies with your head buried in Brandon's ass.
Of course, most of the people dying from Covid in 2021 are the anti-vaxxing mouth breathing MAGA types....#karma
Wow, Chris! Look at all these minds you're changing posting your dribble on a frequent flyer blog! Congrats!
Pure insanity if they change it to PCR only. You can't even get a 24-hour turnaround guarantee without paying $200+ in places.
At this hour, US airline stocks are outperforming the general market which says that investors do not either view this news as credible or they don't believe that there is risk to airline stocks.
Given that all of the big 3 CEOs lined up behind Biden early on but have increasingly pushed back at policies which will delay recovery, there might be some conversations going on including highlighting to the Biden Administration of the...
At this hour, US airline stocks are outperforming the general market which says that investors do not either view this news as credible or they don't believe that there is risk to airline stocks.
Given that all of the big 3 CEOs lined up behind Biden early on but have increasingly pushed back at policies which will delay recovery, there might be some conversations going on including highlighting to the Biden Administration of the negative impacts to airlines and their unions if these measures are put into place.
-
Ed Guest
December 1, 2021, 1:09 pm
Helpful
-
Widerightv Member
December 2, 2021, 1:39 am
Helpful
1 more replyAirlines stocks are sinking right now.
Agree with ED about the performance of Airline stocks. Not sure where you are going with the remainder of your post?
Does anyone know whether rapid testing is widely available on Sunday in countries that are traditionally more or less closed that day, such as many countries in Europe?
-
Daniel B. Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:32 am
Helpful
-
John Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:02 pm
Helpful
-
Daniel B. Guest
December 1, 2021, 2:40 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
Daniel B. Guest
December 1, 2021, 3:47 pm
Helpful
3 more repliesI only know about Hungary. Over there, a company called Whitelab with testing containers all over the country does it for 7,900 HUF ($25) - every day. Even on December 26th (Sunday) they will be open.
@daniel b can americans now freely visit to hungary ? i am half Hungarian and want to vacation over there soon if possible thanks in advance john.
per https://hu.usembassy.gov/covid-19/ - yes:
As of August 8, 2021, U.S. citizens may enter Hungary by air with a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours. The test results may be in Hungarian or English. There are no restrictions for entry into Hungary by road, rail, or waterway, regardless of a traveler’s nationality.
If you happened to have a Hungarian passport as well, then you could even apply for a Hungarian Immunity Card based on...
per https://hu.usembassy.gov/covid-19/ - yes:
As of August 8, 2021, U.S. citizens may enter Hungary by air with a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours. The test results may be in Hungarian or English. There are no restrictions for entry into Hungary by road, rail, or waterway, regardless of a traveler’s nationality.
If you happened to have a Hungarian passport as well, then you could even apply for a Hungarian Immunity Card based on your CDC proof of vaccination which would enable you to travel to Hungary without any testing.
@John. I have replied to you with exact details over an hour ago, but Lucky or whoever is managing this site seems to have blocked it. Why - I have no idea.....
I miss the old OMAAT.....
Great, fork over $1k for a family of four to get inaccurate rapid tests even though getting vaccinated is "the best defense". Which one is it?
How has it been nearly two years and yet these tests cost so damn much, are so inaccurate, and hardly available? In Colorado I looked for hours to get a rapid test last week and nothing is available for days. We think people will quarantine for days until we get PCR results?
-
Chris Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:35 am
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 1, 2021, 10:47 am
Helpful
-
mike Guest
December 2, 2021, 12:28 pm
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 2, 2021, 4:12 pm
Helpful
-
mike Guest
December 2, 2021, 6:40 pm
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 7, 2021, 12:32 pm
Read more
Helpful
-
dee Guest
December 1, 2021, 5:44 pm
Helpful
-
dfw88 Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:39 am
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 1, 2021, 11:02 am
Helpful
-
Notmyname Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:35 am
Read more
Helpful
-
LAX Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:46 pm
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 1, 2021, 2:05 pm
Helpful
-
steven kapellas Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:11 am
Helpful
-
RCB Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:13 am
Helpful
-
Notmyname Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:30 am
Read more
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 1, 2021, 11:35 am
Helpful
-
mike Guest
December 2, 2021, 12:42 pm
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 7, 2021, 12:51 pm
Helpful
17 more repliesWho pays $1000 for four rapid antigen tests, even if done twice each?
Rapid tests at airports are often over 200 euros, Frankfurt for example.
Rapid Test with results within 30 minutes in Frankfurt Airport is 29 Euros... Try Again.
Yeah, now that the government started supplementing them and that's if they are available.
what are you talking about...? 29 euros was for at least the past 6 months at frankfurt airport. at least don't make yourself sound full of it... 200 euros each... dumb and incompetent.
Congratulations, life must always work out for you. There are never lines anywhere and an unlimited availability of anything you ask for. You should buy some PS5's and open a retail store since in your world there are no chip shortages. The antigen tests are often not available in Frankfurt, which has been the case for me personally. When you are forced to take a PCR test then you are SOL. Furthermore, some countries like...
Congratulations, life must always work out for you. There are never lines anywhere and an unlimited availability of anything you ask for. You should buy some PS5's and open a retail store since in your world there are no chip shortages. The antigen tests are often not available in Frankfurt, which has been the case for me personally. When you are forced to take a PCR test then you are SOL. Furthermore, some countries like Switzerland do not even accept Antigen tests... so again you are SOL. I am going to Switzerland this week, and due to my schedule am forced to take a rapid PCR test in Denver... that's $250. On any case, they don't even offer antigen tests. Why? Because that's not as profitable.
It was $148 pounds per person IN UK for a test that was mandated by the Nat Health System.. It had to be pre-paid to get paperwork to enter the country....they are making a $$$$$$$$ killing on tourists.
These tests cost about $30 each. I wouldn't call that expensive...
https://www.emed.com/products/covid-at-home-testkit-six-pack?hsLang=en
So schlep around tests on vacation for weeks or spend time trying to find at home tests in a foreign country on valuable vacation time?
Keep in mind that not every government/airport/airline will even accept those types of travel tests. Kenya required a special code on test results, that was only given through labs within their country. Those mobile/remote tests like Binax would do no good for countries with similar policies.
So, yeah...you can be left trying to find testing in a foreign country anyway. It wasn't too much of a hassle though in Kenya. Some googling and chat...
Keep in mind that not every government/airport/airline will even accept those types of travel tests. Kenya required a special code on test results, that was only given through labs within their country. Those mobile/remote tests like Binax would do no good for countries with similar policies.
So, yeah...you can be left trying to find testing in a foreign country anyway. It wasn't too much of a hassle though in Kenya. Some googling and chat via WhatsApp with a healthcare provider is all it took to arrange for on-site testing at our hotel 36 hours before departure.
Lol if “schlepping” antigen tests that weigh about as much as a pack of gum in your suitcase is too onerous for you, you should probably just stay home.
Wouldn't mind if it was just a pack of gum but it's significantly larger... especially when you have multiple family members. Regardless, many airlines are not accepting these despite the fact that they are valid for travel so I will not be relying on them and therefore not bringing them.
Yea but foreign countries don’t always accept these tests. Show up to the airport with your negative telemedicine result and you get denied boarding. Just because FDA approves doesnt mean that Germany will. It’s useless theatre unless you test every person who boards a domestic flight. The variant is already in the USA.
Every country I have been in this year had rapids tests for $20-30, so your math isn't anywhere close to reality, but don't let facts get in the way of hysteria.
I traveled to Kenya where NO RAPID tests were available or offered. PCR only as required by Kenyan Government, even to travel back to the US. Costs there ranged from $65 to $130 depending on turn around time selected.
So, not every country has Rapid tests available and not every country is going to be as "cheap" as it was for a PCR test with <24hr turn around time. ~Roughly $175 here in the...
I traveled to Kenya where NO RAPID tests were available or offered. PCR only as required by Kenyan Government, even to travel back to the US. Costs there ranged from $65 to $130 depending on turn around time selected.
So, not every country has Rapid tests available and not every country is going to be as "cheap" as it was for a PCR test with <24hr turn around time. ~Roughly $175 here in the states for 24 hour turn around and likely the same in similarly developed countries.
Is it $1000? No. It could turn into that though and making the assumption that cheap rapid tests are available everywhere can certainly lead to an unwelcome surprise.
Great for you. The countries I have visited, in Europe, offer tests for well over 100 or 200 Euros. Look at the exorbitant prices that Centogene charges at German airports.
200 euros for a family of 6 maybe... its 29 euros pp at Centogene... try again
Yes, if the antigen test works for you. Many countries do not accept them.
https://www.cnet.com/google-amp/news/new-us-travel-policy-is-here-9-things-to-know-if-youre-planning-an-international-trip/
Some early indications surrounding the new Omicron variant are being brief to the media, today the WHO advised that this new variant has mild symptoms and is not likely to impact on the effectiveness of the vaccine although it may be more transmissible. My feeling is new travel restrictions will be short lived and the knee jerk response over the weekend about omicron by nations around the globe will pave the way for a more...
Some early indications surrounding the new Omicron variant are being brief to the media, today the WHO advised that this new variant has mild symptoms and is not likely to impact on the effectiveness of the vaccine although it may be more transmissible. My feeling is new travel restrictions will be short lived and the knee jerk response over the weekend about omicron by nations around the globe will pave the way for a more balanced and proportional reaction to new variants moving forward.
The WHO just yesterday was telling people over 60 to not engage in international travel and said the world is at high risk and certain regions could see severe consequences of this variant. I haven't seen the WHO make any of the claims you suggest about the vaccines working on this and that it is only mild symptoms. I have seen some doctors in south africa claim these things in interviews but they also said...
The WHO just yesterday was telling people over 60 to not engage in international travel and said the world is at high risk and certain regions could see severe consequences of this variant. I haven't seen the WHO make any of the claims you suggest about the vaccines working on this and that it is only mild symptoms. I have seen some doctors in south africa claim these things in interviews but they also said their patients were primarily in their 20-30s and therefore in the group where covid is usually more mild. All the legitimate scientists I have seen talking about this subject say it will take a few weeks to know how effective vaccines are and how this variant interacts with a more diverse population. South africa has minimal levels of vaccination and the demographic trends much younger, so how the variant acts there may not be an indication of how the US population would experience it.
I’m curious if it is intended to be one day prior to departure or one day prior to arrival. So, I have a trip in March (allegedly) that takes 37 hours from the time I depart the origin until I arrive at immigration in the US. Do I get tested before I leave or en route at a connecting airport?
So exactly what is the benefit of being vaccinated? Vaccination was pushed as a means to avoid all these extra hassles and restrictions, and now everyone is pretty much lumped in together.
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:26 am
Helpful (1)
-
Dan45 Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:42 am
Helpful
-
GBOAC Diamond
December 1, 2021, 3:45 pm
Helpful
-
MikeL1986 Guest
December 1, 2021, 12:08 pm
Helpful
-
Steve Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:55 am
Helpful
4 more repliesDunno maybe drastically lowering your risk of hospitalization, shortening the length of time you would be sick if you did get infected, drastically reducing the chance of being infected in the first place and oh yea reducing the chances of dying from covid. Not benefit enough for you?
Hey try not to be a condescending little brat, We get your point, but you could say it in a better way if you want to contribute and convince. Many policy makers were trying to induce vaccination uptake rightly or wrongly by having less restrictions levied against the vaccinated, yet now that seems to have been abandoned. Hence the posters question!
@Dan45:
Hey try not to be a condescending little brat, We get your point, but you could say it in a better way if you want to contribute and convince.
BTW in many parts of the country there are fewer restrictions against the vaccinated -- access to restaurants, bars, theater, etc. all good motivation to get vaccinated and protect your fellow neighbors
No it isn't enough. If the vaccines are that effective, then those who are vaccinated should live their lives like normal. Basically the only reason I got vaccinated was to ensure that I could live normal life without thinking twice. I'm extremely healthy and fit and am in my mid-30's so my chances of serious illness were already very low. It's insane that vaccinated people face the same restrictions as the unvaccinated, that is unless the vaccines don't do sh*t.
Exactly. All these new rules and restrictions do is reduce the incentives for people to either get vaccines or get boosters.
I’m curious about what test types will be acceptable. Some news sites saying they are considering only PCR others like Bloomberg say no change to currently accepted test. If it can be the EMED/Antigen i dont see this being a HUGE impact regarding the change of test time but if its a PCR test i think thats gonna destroy the travel industry again because thats nearly impossible in many locations
Omicron has been confirmed in other countries like South Korea, UK, Australia, etc. yet no travel bans for those countries.
Anyway, I agree with you that covid testing is a cash cow for now and in some places certainly a money scam.
Switzerland has imposed a 10 day quarantine for anyone arriving from 20 countries that have declared presence of the variant ... sigh
Shame on all the media and reporters like you Lucky. Why would you post such garbage about the possible quarantine that is not coming. You are creating uncertainty and it’s not going to happen. You are supposed to be an ambassador to travel and here you are hurting our wonderful industry. Please correct this article and stop posting speculative items that could hurt people like me who rely on travelers to make a living.
Just insane! I am in Germany now. Testing appts are not available in this proposed timeline. I tested today (Wednesday) for a Friday flight. If you do non PCR, it’s possible but not full PCR test. Let the scientists finish their analysis before we do something stupid.
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:28 am
Helpful
-
steven kapellas Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:06 am
Helpful
-
dee Guest
December 1, 2021, 5:45 pm
Helpful
2 more repliesProblem is once the virus gets seeded in the US especially during the holiday season when there is a huge amount of domestic travel then it is too late. They can't afford to wait. Countless people died the first time covid hit the US because politicians were asleep at the switch. This sucks but it is only for a few weeks until we know what we are dealing with and then adjustments can be made.
So, domestic testing before you go visit Grandma for Xmas? On average TSA screens million people a day. Ban every country where the new variant has been discovered? Like 70 counties right now. The variant is already in the USA. Foreign countries and airlines can’t pivot that quick. It will take a week to implement.
It is tooo late already...
I'm as left as left can be, believe in science, etc. But this is meaningless if domestic travelers don't require testing. And Brian is right. We're going to lose a lot of votes with this type of behavior.
Nah in terms of the new variant I don't see a need for domestic testing unless the variant is pervasive in the community. Granted if the numbers of variant cases start increasing here then they should certainly look into requiring that if it turns out the vaccines are not effective against it.
Really great way to incentivize getting vaccinated! Here, go get vaccinated but you will literally have to continue to do everything as if you were un-vaccinated!
So dumb.
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:35 am
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 1, 2021, 11:12 am
Helpful
1 more replyPretty sure most people got vaccinated so they could reduce their risk of getting infected, being hospitalized and potentially dying. You would think that would be incentive enough for most people. Oh and many other countries require vaccines anyway so yea there is that.
Most got vaccinated, but not all. Having the same testing requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated alike will not provide any incentive to the unvaccinated any more than they are today.
This is great! Anything more the dems can do to sink themselves in 2022 and 2024, I’m all for it.
It's worth noting that per CNN, the White House stated that a mandatory quarantine for Americans returning home is not being considered. So, at least there's that.
-
Dan77W Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:17 am
Helpful
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:49 am
Helpful
-
Bo747 Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:58 am
Helpful
-
Will Guest
December 1, 2021, 5:02 pm
Helpful (1)
3 more repliesJust like they said about mandates
It is unfortunate because we know that some Americans will not comply with voluntary quarantine and will go out into public and potentially expose people and maybe setting the whole country further back in the process depending on how bad this variant is.
Your right if you are saying people wouldn’t voluntarily quarantine for 7 days if vaccinated and tested within one day of their departure and possibly tested again on arrival with no symptoms….Nor should they, that’s called overkill and not “reasonable” measures.
The definition of creeping authoritarianism is when you feel relief a draconian policy wasn't implemented.
How much longer are we going to do things that are proven not to work...
-
James Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:09 am
Helpful (1)
-
NYGuy24 Diamond
December 1, 2021, 10:37 am
Helpful
-
James Guest
December 1, 2021, 10:44 am
Read more
Helpful
-
Towelie196 Member
December 1, 2021, 10:59 am
Helpful
-
Bo747 Guest
December 1, 2021, 11:17 am
Helpful
-
John Guest
December 1, 2021, 3:51 pm
Helpful
-
Mark Guest
December 6, 2021, 5:52 pm
Helpful
6 more replies100 spot on Steve. What's the definition of insanity? Exactly what governments around the world continue to do regarding this virus theatre.
These things do work if you do them promptly. By work it does not mean keep the variant out all together. It means to slow the spread of the variant to buy time for the scientists to figure out what is going on and to update vaccines/treatments/guidance on best measures.
Spoken like a true media addict who believes anything they spout to him. You're a good little virtue signaler for big pharma. Care to explain why there's virtually NO DISCUSSION regarding those who've already contracted Covid and have antibodies? Why no exemptions when both Washington University AND Cleveland Clinic both say that getting vaccinated offers NO BENEFITS to those who've already had C19? Big pharma, and their cronies now serving in the CDC/FDA says get...
Spoken like a true media addict who believes anything they spout to him. You're a good little virtue signaler for big pharma. Care to explain why there's virtually NO DISCUSSION regarding those who've already contracted Covid and have antibodies? Why no exemptions when both Washington University AND Cleveland Clinic both say that getting vaccinated offers NO BENEFITS to those who've already had C19? Big pharma, and their cronies now serving in the CDC/FDA says get the jab regardless. Hmmmmm, wonder why?
You talk about having Covid antibodies when the discussion is regarding testing?
In fact many countries accept proof of a recent Covid recovery in lieu of testing and/or vaccine requirement…. So it is somewhat relevant.
Ya, let's give Pfizer and Moderna and Big Pharma more time to convince (read: buy off) the govt scientists to get Vaccine 2.0 (or XS for you Apple folks) to line their pockets. We should trust Big Pharma, right? Cough: oxycontin
Well you can't sue for the vaccine. Just like J&J who literally had a judge stop their lawsuits over the cancer causing products they sold their customers. The stoppage was so J&J could split their company into 2 companies and bankrupt the one with all the lawsuits to screw over all those people impacted. I'd sure love to trust them sticking their vaccine into my body. Good luck to you all.