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Joined: Aug 2000
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The August 1st requirements are not out yet but looking at the June 25 update I have the following question.
The requirement reads "Passengers are required to take a COVID-19 PCR test with proof of negative results no older that 72 hours prior to day of travel."
My question is: is the 72 hours from the date of the test (swab taken) or the date of the results (date the results are returned)?
My thought is that the 72 hours is from the results returned date. That is the only way to know a date to schedule a flight.
I was trying to fly on July 7 before they changed the rules (again) and had a PCR test done. It had both the date of the test and the date of the results (3 working days later) on it.
Looking for others input.
Don't have an email address to put this question to a member of SXM government. So hope they are considering this with the August guidelines and they will be much more clear.
GaryB
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Gary--they just changed it yesterday, I believe. The test AND the result have to be done within no more than 72 hours.
Carol Hill
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Carol, where did you see that change?
I just looked at the government Facebook page and don't see that. It says "negative test results no older that 72 hours."
Looking to the most recent information I can find.
Thanks.
GaryB
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See this threadfrom yesterday. BUT, now when you go to that page, it now says only RESULTS within 72 hours. Did they change it AGAIN?????????? 
Carol Hill
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I just had the PCR test done at 3:30 on Monday for a procedure on Thursday. Results were in my “portal” this morning. I asked while there if they would be doing them for travel and they said NO. Too much could go wrong. Only for work or medical reasons - at least right now. This was a lab connected to our local hospital.
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Yes, but later down in that thread it says they (government) took that information down again.
I'm with you on the unbeleivable frustration this is causing.
Been trying since June to get back to SXM to finish re-modeling upgrades to my second home and prep for hurricane season.
My biggest fear now is if they come up with some insurance scam that does not take into account long term visitors like foreign property owners.
GaryB
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Kim, my doctor here in Florida scheduled me for the PCR test. They had no trouble with my needing it to travel.
Swab taken at local affilated lab and sent out for results. My test results were back in 3 days into my "portal".
And best of all it was no cost to me. Insurance company (Health First) was doing them by appointment/ schedule as community service.
The free public testing in my area has long lines and hours of waiting.
My recommendation to all is that your first call is to your doctor office for best details on your options.
GaryB
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Ridiculous. I didn't see that they took it down. I know the tourism minister wants to require insurance. Gary and kim--I cannot imagine how frustrating this is for you. I had decided a while ago to just wait until after things blow over somewhat, which I guess is going to be next year. Despite their statements that couldn't keep changing the rules all the time, they are still doing it.
Carol Hill
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Joined: Mar 2001
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While I am all for being safe, this constant change, misinformation and going back and forth is going to continue to KILL tourism, if and/or when it does ever have a chance to come back. It galls me that some think the US is a $hit-show, how about what is going on there? Totally ridiculous.
J.D.
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Other countries are having some of the same problem US is having with Covid-19 spikes too for relaxing social distancing and use of face coverings. I look for St Maarten to constantly reassess who they let in and when.
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I am beginning to feel that we won't be able to come in March. We have to overnight on the way down. We arrive mid afternoon on a Sunday. That means the test would have to be no earlier than Thursday afternoon with results received by late Friday as we leave early Saturday morning. If they keep the requirement for test AND results within 72 of arrival that pretty much makes it impossible to be sure we would be admitted. Really hoping things will be different by March, but how can anyone really make plans?
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Legal-49 Pray for a vaccine by January. Astravenica has entered final phase testing and on the news 7/22 it was announced Phyzier (SP?) has committed a large amount of product to the USA.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Yes, I really don't see us being able to go until there is one.
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Yes, it is impossible to plan at the moment, especially when they keep changing things every other day.
Carol Hill
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Just noticed that they (SXM ) have added some FAQ's to the stmaartenupdates.com site. (At least it is the first I have see them at the very bottom of page).
And with that new information I have an answer to my original question.
FAQ: How far in advance do I need to take my PCR COVID-19 test?
Answer: You can take the test at an earlier date as long as the date on the results are no older than 72 hours of your arrival day.
So it is the results date that needs to be 72 hours ahead of travel date.
That makes it a little easier to schedule the flight.
All depends on the turn time of the PCR test results in your area.
Hope this helps anyone else trying to travel.
GaryB
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Gary--Look at the GRAPHIC on the page, which states it was updated TODAY, which says 'take a COVID 19 test and receive results' within 72 hours. Parts of the page say 'test and results' and part says 'results'. "Before Your Departure to St. Maarten • Complete self health declaration form online 72 hours prior to arrival at www.stmaartenentry.com, and carry your copy. • A COVID-19 (PCR) taken and receive the test result within 72 hours prior to your arrival date."
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 07/22/2020 11:10 AM.
Carol Hill
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I checked with MA.GOV COVID website and it's kind of a mute point for me since testing in MA is only available for people with symptoms or a recent COVID contact.
I guess a person could fib about symptoms but I won't go that route. Now if a site was offering asymptomatic people testing then I might start planning my January trip but until then I will just sit and wait and not get any hopes up.
It's strange because I just read an article about how they are finding MANY positive tests in patients (mostly younger) without symptoms but they won't offer the testing without a COVID contact which assumes you KNEW you were in contact with a positive person
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Carol,
Well they did it again. In the time it took me to cut and past that FAQ and post they changed the web site AGAIN.
Just when you think you have a direct answer they change the rules.
This is just NUTS.
GaryB
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Carol Hill
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Feel your pain.
But in Florida they are offering free testing to asymptomatic persons (shorter line and faster results) and non-symptomatic persons via drive thru.
Some sites in Central Florida are doing 600 to 1,000 tests per day.
Testing is going to be state by state as each state sees fit.
GaryB
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Joined: Mar 2009
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You really on't want to lie to get the test since on that declaration for travel you have to say you weren't in contact or had symptoms 14 days prior to flight.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Feel your pain.
But in Florida they are offering free testing to asymptomatic persons (shorter line and faster results) and non-symptomatic persons via drive thru.
They are the same persons....but good that they offer testing to those not sick
Last edited by boucharda; 07/22/2020 12:06 PM.
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You really on't want to lie to get the test since on that declaration for travel you have to say you weren't in contact or had symptoms 14 days prior to flight. Exactly correct....
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I can't get a test but over 1,000,000 tests will be given to professional ball players just so they can play. Something wrong there.
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Your are correct.
I should have said those who think they have been infected/exposed get the fast lane and other who just what to know if infected in the slow lane. :-)
Thanks.
GaryB
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Joined: Dec 2004
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That seems well organized....even with the huge lines. At least it IS possible to get a test
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Just found this appropriately interesting story re; testing Testing for travel link
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Yes, that's what was posted yesterday.
Carol Hill
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Ok...just being a dork here but.....it says: Have a negative PCR COVID-19 test result. You should have taken the test and receive the results within 72 hours of departure date I still read that as no date attached to test being taken BUT results have to be received within 72 hours of departure....same issue as before I would think it would say " You should have TAKEN THE TEST 72 hours prior to departure and have the results available" Clear as mud
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It seems clear enough to me, but in the FAQ it says "Your test has to be taken and the result received within 72 hours of your arrival date " Prior to this week, it said only "results received within 72 hours"
Carol Hill
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Confusing as one states "Departure" and another is "Arrival" Lots of hours between those.
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Now THIS is clear (not from SXM) Test must be taken at 72 hours prior to departure (or closer to departure) and the results need to be uploaded no later than 12 hours prior to departure
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Aruba...I posted the whole quote in one of the many other COVID threads....referred to in the editorial you just posted. I will repost: (iii) Uploading a negative PCR test result
Test must be a COVID-19 test, obtained from a nasal/oral swab specimen through PCR, NAAT or molecular testing performed by a certified lab. Any other Covid-19 test (serological testing/antibody testing, antigen testing or any other blood test) doctor’s declaration or home kits will not be accepted. Tests are not required for children 14 and under. All costs related to PCR testing are the responsibility of the visitor.
Test must be taken at 72 hours prior to departure (or closer to departure) and the results need to be uploaded no later than 12 hours prior to departure to Aruba. Any tests and results executed before 72 hours prior to departure to Aruba will not be valid.
IMPORTANT: Uploading a negative test result prior to travel to Aruba is the only option available to residents of the following US States for being granted entry to Aruba:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Residents of all other US States and other countries with whom Aruba’s borders are open will have the alternative option of taking a PCR test immediately after arrival in Aruba, which is mandatory if a negative test has not been uploaded within the required timeframe prior to arrival. The cost of this test is US$75 per person and needs to be pre-paid as part of the online embarkation/disembarkation process. Children 14 and under are not required to take the PCR test.
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Now THIS is clear, and being able to take a test at the airport vs trying to get one in 72 hours stateside is a great option. If it works well for them, hopefully SXM will consider something similar.
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