Experience of testing positive at port

[ChicosWife]

Fired Really?!? I am a nurse too, and there are two sides to every story and the OP was obviously upset. She may have interpreted the nurses' responses differently due to her emotional state. Everyone cruising today should be prepared for this scenario and have their kids prepared for a positive result and change in plans. Blaming the nurse or the cruise line for how they handled the situation is naive and not taking personal responsibility. Everyone should have a plan B and C in place in case this happens to them...prepare for the worst, hope for the best.

As sad as the OP's situation is, I agree with the above. I want to take every precaution that I can to help eliminate this possibility from happening. We will be getting PCR tests within a week before and even another a day or two before we leave, as well, I will be bringing at-home tests with us to test everyone before we leave the hotel to depart for the ship. I can't imagine the disappointment from being so close to the ship and having to drive away! We have waited for this cruise for three years and have been counting down the days!

 

[JoieNsk]

I do completely agree that in the moment what many want is a sympathetic tone of voice, I don't think this amounts to having to separate people out to tell them in some hushed voice secret way who is a positive result.

It doesn't have to be hushed voice, and even sympathetic voice. It can be a phone call to the parents, or message through the app, or text.

I might be mistaken but I got the impression that when the OP noticed that they were not approved to get on board right away, they weren't able to see that somebody actually WAS positive, and WHO actually was.

This was not a single isolated unique case. I am sure there were a lot of people in the same situation. And instead of making it a simple unified procedure - I feel like Disney makes it more complicated making people come and tell the whole family in person. And the family is predictably going to be upset. And the "messenger" has to go through that too. Why make it so complex and frustrating?

 

[Sakura1017]

I am for testing at the port since a lot can happen within three days before you sail. You may have tested negative a few days ago and may be asymptomatic on the day of sailing. I do understand that its frustrating but technically no one wants their cruise to be ruined if cases go up on a ship. Plus if it's based on honor system some people will still try to get on even they though they shouldn't. I read on social media that a family knew one of their family members were positive after taking a few tests and still arrived at port trying to get on since they had a b2b. They were obviously denied passage but knowing that they still tried and didn't care for other's safety cuz that person was also asymptomatic.

I think the health care professional at the port probably has to follow guidelines and mention who has the positive result at the tent. They don't know ahead of time that families may want to keep it personal unless you tell them once they step in that you are aware of the situation and just want to know next steps and not mention the name of the child. However, for that person to continue saying that your son is the reason your trip is ruined is basically insensitive and lacks empathy and should be reported.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

It doesn't have to be hushed voice, and even sympathetic voice. It can be a phone call to the parents, or message through the app, or text.

This was not a single isolated unique case. I am sure there were a lot of people in the same situation. And instead of making it a simple unified procedure - I feel like Disney makes it more complicated making people come and tell the whole family in person. And the family is predictably going to be upset. And the "messenger" has to go through that too. Why make it so complex and frustrating?

I think medical professionals in these situations have an obligation to verbally tell because what occurs after depends on the CDC advice. A phone call or a text (IF one opted in for that) seems fine to be in addition but a verbal discussion of the outcome of the test and what the following actions for medical reasons seems very responsible and imagine how upset people would be if all they got was a phone call or a text, then they would be complaining Disney didn't do enough, they just treated them like a positive case and didn't want any further interaction with them (and some already feel that way).

I don't think cruise lines can win here, people are coming up against a very real possibility of extreme disappointment but that disappointment cannot be fixed by any sort of measure here. How could it? You're not being allowed to cruise and can't go on the vacation you wanted.

As far as complex I think it actually is the least complicated. More complicated would be separating for each and every traveling party (which in January and February there have been quite a lot more positive cases understandable due to Omicron and the DISers I know can attest to increase in those turned away at the port) while the minors are whereever to talk it all over. But that's a point that people may feel the desire to not to it that way because of their personal feelings.

I might be mistaken but I got the impression that when the OP noticed that they were not approved to get on board right away, they weren't able to see that somebody actually WAS positive, and WHO actually was.

The OP knew who it was before the nurse even came in:

• "Initially we had the false hope of maybe testing inconclusive, but when I checked the safe passage website, it said our oldest son had tested positive."

Then the events then were:

• "Knowing the awful truth and feeling like our stomachs had dropped, we waited a few minutes for a nice Disney representative to come for us. She was nice. My husband told her that we looked at the app and know the situation."

Then the events were:

• "We were taken to a trailer with multiple empty rooms (felt very much like a bare tiny hospital room) with a few chairs. We sat down, another Disney rep joined us and a nurse from inspire diagnostics walked in. She spent a very short amount of time with us, but basically said, outloud, that my son had tested positive."

I totally agree (and made sure to mention that) that in general way not everyone is going to be in that exact same situation but in the OP's case they were aware who was positive and had the opportunity to talk, just like they wanted and advised other people do to, but in that moment they didn't take that opportunity and that disappointment while so understandable was put off onto the nurse.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

However, for that person to continue saying that your son is the reason your trip is ruined is basically insensitive and lacks empathy and should be reported.

The nurse didn't say that actually. This is sorta where it's the end results vs what happened.

The nurse just said who was positive which ended up being the son. The OP was there to see their son's disappointment and empathizes that the son may have felt they were personally responsible and in doing so the nurse saying the son was positive meant to the OP (which is an important distinction) the son was being blamed for the trip being ruined. That's not what transpired, that's just emotions (however understandable) playing out.

If it was the OP or their spouse who ended up positive I'm not so certain that comment from the OP would have been included because as adults we tend to not think that way we may internally feel like we messed the trip up but adults are less likely to say so and so was loudly proclaiming we/I ruined the trip. However because it was the OP's own child we naturally don't want them to feel responsible. In the end no one is responsible in a "you're at fault" way hence the don't shoot the messenger comments from other posters.

 

[dreynolds1982]

This. In terms of transmissibility, the Omicron variant is no respecter of vaccinations, masks, etc, so "taking precautions" isn't a good buffer against a positive test result at port. It's a roll of the dice, whether or not you get it.

That's not really true. Vaccinations still protect (though admittedly not as well as against previous variants) and the correct type of mask definitely does as well. Yes, it's much more transmissible, BUT precautions do still help.

Something else to consider, the difference between now and one month again as far as Omicron goes is night and day. Cases are dropping dramatically nationwide. And studies are now showing that the huge outbreaks from Omicron actually boosted immunity a great deal which will help lower the risk of transmissibility even more.

https://www.counton2.com/news/natio...cialflow&utm_source=t.co+&utm_medium=referral

 

[JoieNsk]

I think medical professionals in these situations have an obligation to verbally tell because what occurs after depends on the CDC advice.

We test ton of people in ER every day. Nobody gives results in person. Unless the patient is getting admitted, or has significant symptoms needing urgent medical attention.

People are just advised to get the results in the app or by e-mail. And we are a big hospital system, so we have pretty strict rules, and HIPAA and everything else.

So it doesn't have to be told in person. Unless there are different rules in different states?

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We test ton of people in ER every day. Nobody gives results in person. Unless the patient is getting admitted, or has significant symptoms needing urgent medical attention.

People are just advised to get the results in the app or by e-mail. And we are a big hospital system, so we have pretty strict rules, and HIPAA and everything else.

So it doesn't have to be told in person. Unless there are different rules in different states?

This is for a cruise though, with the testing done in person, to allow you to board a ship. You aren't supposed to travel by plane if you're positive, you're supposed to quarantine for the necessary days and wear a mask for the necessary days afterwards. When people have tested positive on vacation they are generally (though I can't say 100% all the time) told in person because what happens after changes completely from meals delivered to one's room to not being cleared to go out and about to having to wear masks, etc. I've seen this reported on cruise ships as well as resorts in various countries. As far as cruises CDC has the governing body here.

There's nothing wrong with getting test results by other ways but that is very much situational. It's fine if you disagree I totally get that but I do not in any way expect them to just tell people waiting to get clearance for boarding a cruise ship over the phone or by text here. They need to make sure these people are aware of what happens next which is where that face to face comes in. I can't speak for all cruise lines but I don't fault Disney for having the process by Inspire done this way. I suppose in a nutshell I get why they do it the way they do.

 

[JoieNsk]

imagine how upset people would be if all they got was a phone call or a text, then they would be complaining Disney didn't do enough, they just treated them like a positive case and didn't want any further interaction with them (and some already feel that way)...

I don't think cruise lines can win here...

I guess I would completely agree on that.

Maybe it is a no-win situation for a cruise line.

But things still has to be done reasonably. My feeling is the more people are involved (like coming and telling in person) - the more probability that some mistakes are going to be made, and people might get even more frustrated.

In our hospital since the Covid started we actually had so many situations when the patients or visitors would get physically violent - just because the visitors were not allowed for example, or stuff like that. One would not believe.

 

[lanejudy]

So it doesn't have to be told in person. Unless there are different rules in different states?

You may be correct in a legal sense. Many folks at this point need to deal with travel insurance, which typically requires that a medical professional advised "no travel" and not simply a test result. The "nurse" (other reports have called this person a "doctor") is providing the official medical consultation needed for insurance purposes by relaying the test result and informing the party is not allowed to board the ship. The DCL rep is there to assist with the refund/credit options and advise what DCL will do (not much, basically a ride somewhere). Otherwise, DCL could simply have the app give the result and message about denying boarding with instructions to go home and call for your refund/credit.

And you are right that it's a no-win situation -- for all involved. You can't satisfy everyone, especially when delivering bad news like "your vacation was just cancelled."

 

[Kimpossible1]

She spent a very short amount of time with us, but basically said, outloud, that my son had tested positive. Everyone else was negative. But he was positive and so we cannot board the ship. We were handed a paper with his positive test result. My husband asked if he could be retested because he was asymptomatic, and the answer was a firm no. At this point, my oldest especially, exploded in tears. Both kids were very sad, but he understood…after this nurse loudly broadcasted that he was the one that ruined our vacation, and felt that he was at fault.
Did the nurse actually say that your son ruined your vacation?

 

[twopackages]

Question for the OP - do you get a document with the positive test result that includes a doctors name?

 

[drb116]

One thing to note is that the test at the port is a NAAT test, which is designed to amplify the virus and detect even small amounts of COVID. Most at home tests do not amplify the virus, so it is very possible to have a negative take at home test in the morning and still test positive at the cruise port an hour later.

 

[Snowwhyt]

One thing to note is that the test at the port is a NAAT test, which is designed to amplify the virus and detect even small amounts of COVID. Most at home tests do not amplify the virus, so it is very possible to have a negative take at home test in the morning and still test positive at the cruise port an hour later.

So how do you get a NAAT? Can you find this type of test so you can get diagnosed with recovered Covid? I still have my daughter to have tested now and I just got a Covid positive test on countdown day 89.

 

[Kwami]

So how do you get a NAAT? Can you find this type of test so you can get diagnosed with recovered Covid? I still have my daughter to have tested now and I just got a Covid positive test on countdown day 89.

If you get a rapid PCR test, there's a good chance that it's a NAAT test. Your local testing site should say which test they're using.

 

[braysmommy]

Add us to the list of testing positive at the port. I have been PCR testing 2-3 times a week for the past year at work with last test Wednesday before we flew out. We arrived at the port on Friday and I test positive, the only one in travel party, so a bit shocking. Drove right to CVS for a PCR test and on way back to Orlando in our rental car I stopped at a Florida testing site for another PCR test. I also did a rapid test Friday and again today both negative and both PCR results came back negative. Clearly at this point I'd say I don't have Covid and the test at the port was an error.

 

[BruinEd03]

So how do you get a NAAT? Can you find this type of test so you can get diagnosed with recovered Covid? I still have my daughter to have tested now and I just got a Covid positive test on countdown day 89.

Walgreens is one. They have the standard PCR test and a rapid PCR test. The rapid PCR is NAAT. You can take a positive if either one to a doctor to get a note.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Which is more sensitive? PCR or NAAT?

We're going tomorrow for PCR tests ($160 for each of us!) just to have a baseline and ensure we didn't have it asymptomatically some time. Our cruise is in 20 days. Am I getting the best test I can for this purpose or should I have bought a different test?

 

[Intr3pid]

There is a bit of confusion in this thread about the types of tests. See if I can help clarify.

There are two major types of tests in travel and at pharmacies right now: NAAT and antigen. NAATs are more accurate, anitgens are faster.

NAAT

NAATs are the amplification tests, which take your nasal or throat sample and first amplify its contents. PCR/RT-PCR is the most common NAAT technique, where your sample is sent to a lab and the lab equipment amplifies (= magnifies) and sequences its genetic content. The amplification makes it a super accurate test. It's very easy to find any virus trace, particularly when the major symptoms are yet to appear and you intercept them early - but also when you are well past them. Results in a day or two.

In a rapid PCR, the amplification and sequencing lab is installed onsite. Inspire, for example, has these labs for Disney at the ports. Results in 45 minutes or so.

Abbott also launched something called the ID NOW test last year. This is a NAAT where the amplification is done by an onsite machine (vs an onsite lab). Not the same level of amplification, but still better than antigen testing. Results in about 90 minutes.

There are other amplification techniques - such as RT-LAMP - which are primarily sold through the home kits.

Antigen

Antigen tests don't quite amplify the contents of your sample, so you need to test within the right window of time. Best to do antigen testing twice spaced out by about 30 hours, as there is less chance of two such consecutive results being inaccurate. The test is super easy to administer since there is no need for lab amplification or sequencing. The onsite machine (for instance, Abbott's BINAX NOW) is all you need. Results in 15 minutes.

Accuracy vs Timing

Accuracy/Sensitivity: Lab PCR > Rapid PCR > ID NOW > Antigen
Speed: Antigen > Rapid PCR/ID NOW > Lab PCR

Walgreens vs CVS

CVS only offers lab PCR and antigen testing, but some locations can do rapid PCR.

Walgreen can do all four- though rapid PCR and ID NOW aren't available everywhere. The ID NOW test is also very popular, and appointments are scooped up moments after release.

Hope this helps!

More: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/naats.html

 

[HeatherLassell]

So how do you get a NAAT? Can you find this type of test so you can get diagnosed with recovered Covid? I still have my daughter to have tested now and I just got a Covid positive test on countdown day 89.

Walgreens does the NAAT.