Where do I get PCR tests for coming home and other questions.

[FigmentSpark]

We are going on a DCL cruise in March out of Port Canaveral. Assuming the border rules remain the same, I'm looking at having to get PCR tests done in the US, I assume.

First question - where are people getting them done? And also, how long does it take for results?

As I said, since we're on a cruise, so it's not like I can just stop by a local CVS halfway through my trip for a PCR test. Do I have to add days to my trip on the other end to wait for results for a test I would have to take once arriving back in the US from the cruise?

Does it matter if you're flying or driving? My sister is flying, but we are driving. Are the rules the same? Should I look at flying instead?

And are people who are travelling back booking "Just in case" reservations for quarantining in the US? Do we need to wait out the period and then hope for a negative test to get across the border?

This is all so confusing. And I understand that it may change, but I'm not sure it'll change within the next 57 days before we leave Canada.

Oh, that's another question... what test, if any, do I need to get in to the US?

 

[Madame]

We are going on a DCL cruise in March out of Port Canaveral. Assuming the border rules remain the same, I'm looking at having to get PCR tests done in the US, I assume.

First question - where are people getting them done? And also, how long does it take for results?

As I said, since we're on a cruise, so it's not like I can just stop by a local CVS halfway through my trip for a PCR test. Do I have to add days to my trip on the other end to wait for results for a test I would have to take once arriving back in the US from the cruise?

Does it matter if you're flying or driving? My sister is flying, but we are driving. Are the rules the same? Should I look at flying instead?

And are people who are travelling back booking "Just in case" reservations for quarantining in the US? Do we need to wait out the period and then hope for a negative test to get across the border?

This is all so confusing. And I understand that it may change, but I'm not sure it'll change within the next 57 days before we leave Canada.

Oh, that's another question... what test, if any, do I need to get in to the US?

If I were cruising and flying back I’d leave 1-2 between debarkation & flight, and I’d purchase a private lab test (not sure if we can link here, but easy enough to Google - it does cost $$$).

I would personally drive - much more control over the situation for testing and also if you get a positive result & have to quarantine in Florida (you’re allowed to move freely 5 days post test but can’t come home until 11 days post test). I’d book Walgreens or Curative if driving.

Driving into the US requires only proof of vaccination. Flying you need to test the day before - a PCR is not necessary (I believe most have been testing pre-flight at pharmacies like Shoppers or Walmart).

 

[mevelandry]

We are going on a DCL cruise in March out of Port Canaveral. Assuming the border rules remain the same, I'm looking at having to get PCR tests done in the US, I assume.

First question - where are people getting them done? And also, how long does it take for results?

As I said, since we're on a cruise, so it's not like I can just stop by a local CVS halfway through my trip for a PCR test. Do I have to add days to my trip on the other end to wait for results for a test I would have to take once arriving back in the US from the cruise?

Does it matter if you're flying or driving? My sister is flying, but we are driving. Are the rules the same? Should I look at flying instead?

And are people who are travelling back booking "Just in case" reservations for quarantining in the US? Do we need to wait out the period and then hope for a negative test to get across the border?

This is all so confusing. And I understand that it may change, but I'm not sure it'll change within the next 57 days before we leave Canada.

Oh, that's another question... what test, if any, do I need to get in to the US?

We are flying for our next trip.

So far we have booked Rapid Antigen tests at the airport (it was easy to cancel when we decided to postpone the trip, I am now waiting to see if they will still be necessary to travel in April).

I was told we don’t need to book PCRs at Orlando Airport when we return as it’s walk-in.

The airport tests are much more expensive but I believe they are reliable and we don’t need to manipulate anything ourselves.

We did not book a quarantine hotel in advance. I figured I would just book something last minute on Hotwire if we tested positive. This way, we wouldn’t waste money if we had to cancel less than 24 hours before leaving the US (If we test negative).

 

[FigmentSpark]

We are flying for our next trip.

So far we have booked Rapid Antigen tests at the airport (it was easy to cancel when we decided to postpone the trip, I am now waiting to see if they will still be necessary to travel in April).

I was told we don’t need to book PCRs at Orlando Airport when we return as it’s walk-in.

The airport tests are much more expensive but I believe they are reliable and we don’t need to manipulate anything ourselves.

We did not book a quarantine hotel in advance. I figured I would just book something last minute on Hotwire if we tested positive. This way, we wouldn’t waste money if we had to cancel less than 24 hours before leaving the US (If we test negative).

How long do you have to wait for results if you take the PCR test at the airport?

My sister has already booked her flights to be flying back the day we get off the cruise. I'm thinking she is going to have to change her plans, now.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Okay, I looked up the MCO testing site and this is what it said about the two tests it offers:

The SARS-CoV-2 assay uses real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to rapidly (approximately 20 minutes) detect SARS-CoV-2 from nasal swabs. The rapid-result antigen tests detect proteins from the virus and are most accurate when performed within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms. This type of test includes a nasal swab and provides results in approximately 15 minutes.​

It sounds like they can do a PCR test in 20 minutes with no appointment? Is this the one the Cdn government accepts? And is it really only 20 minutes? It would be perfect, if it is.

 

[wdwmom3]

Okay, I looked up the MCO testing site and this is what it said about the two tests it offers:

The SARS-CoV-2 assay uses real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to rapidly (approximately 20 minutes) detect SARS-CoV-2 from nasal swabs. The rapid-result antigen tests detect proteins from the virus and are most accurate when performed within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms. This type of test includes a nasal swab and provides results in approximately 15 minutes.​

It sounds like they can do a PCR test in 20 minutes with no appointment? Is this the one the Cdn government accepts? And is it really only 20 minutes? It would be perfect, if it is.

I have read reports of people having issues at the airport. Like them not having any of PCR tests. And the 20 minutes if for your results. Remember you could be waiting a long time to actually get a test.

 

[mevelandry]

How long do you have to wait for results if you take the PCR test at the airport?

My sister has already booked her flights to be flying back the day we get off the cruise. I'm thinking she is going to have to change her plans, now.

1 hour for the PCR results.

 

[mevelandry]

Okay, I looked up the MCO testing site and this is what it said about the two tests it offers:

The SARS-CoV-2 assay uses real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology to rapidly (approximately 20 minutes) detect SARS-CoV-2 from nasal swabs. The rapid-result antigen tests detect proteins from the virus and are most accurate when performed within five to seven days of the onset of symptoms. This type of test includes a nasal swab and provides results in approximately 15 minutes.​

It sounds like they can do a PCR test in 20 minutes with no appointment? Is this the one the Cdn government accepts? And is it really only 20 minutes? It would be perfect, if it is.

Yes. They accept this and the RT-LAMP.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I have read reports of people having issues at the airport. Like them not having any of PCR tests. And the 20 minutes if for your results. Remember you could be waiting a long time to actually get a test.

This is what worries me.

Yes. They accept this and the RT-LAMP.

Never heard of the RT-LAMP. Is it easier to get than the PCR?

 

[Madame]

This is what worries me.


Never heard of the RT-LAMP. Is it easier to get than the PCR?

The Lamp is the Switch Health test done via video link.

 

[FigmentSpark]

So I don't have to go to a clinic beforehand, but I have to buy a kit? Then, like a pregnancy test, it tells me the answer?

Wait, never mind. Looks like Switch Health is still something I have to do at a clinic. I'm so confused.

 

[mevelandry]

This is what worries me.


Never heard of the RT-LAMP. Is it easier to get than the PCR?

You can order kits and have a professional supervise you by videoconference. But prices are around 150$ CAD if I am not mistaken.

 

[mevelandry]

So I don't have to go to a clinic beforehand, but I have to buy a kit? Then, like a pregnancy test, it tells me the answer?

Wait, never mind. Looks like Switch Health is still something I have to do at a clinic. I'm so confused.

Look up the RT-LAMP from Switch Health. No clinic.

 

[wdwmom3]

So I don't have to go to a clinic beforehand, but I have to buy a kit? Then, like a pregnancy test, it tells me the answer?

Wait, never mind. Looks like Switch Health is still something I have to do at a clinic. I'm so confused.

Switch health has clinics in Toronto. But they also have kits you take with you and do a test yourself over a video chat.

 

[CanucksRock]

Refer to this thread for link. https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...ncluding-pcr-test-info-for-canadians.3866949/

 

[FigmentSpark]

Thanks. The first time I looked up Switch Health, I didn't find anything other than looking for clinics. That's why I was confused. I think I have the right link now.

Refer to this thread for link. https://www.disboards.com/threads/f...ncluding-pcr-test-info-for-canadians.3866949/

I will check this out. thanks.

 

[buyerbrad]

Anybody have a free testing location near the Detroit Airport, Ambassador Bridge, or Blue Water Bridge? We don't want to run the risk of testing positive before the flight home from Florida, so our plan is to test after the flight home. We plan on spending the night in Michigan to do some shopping the next day before hopefully crossing over. I have also been following the thread about driving over if you are positive...