TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Review article on a couple home COVID tests

Thanks for the article.

This statement gave me a bit of pause though.. "For travelers ready to pack self-tests to bring with them, the CDC cautions that some countries may have rules or restrictions in place regarding the importation of COVID-19 test kits that are not authorized or registered there. “Travelers who are considering bringing a U.S.-authorized test with them for use outside of the United States should contact authorities at their destination for information before they travel,” the CDC advises." Yikes!!! Which countries would that be, one wonders?? Has anyone attempted to contact SXM authorities and ask them this question? (Just curious, why would another country care if you bring in Covid test kits?? Afraid you are going to set up shop on the street corner and do tests out of your car??)

The tests were banned in Anguilla yesterday. The law goes into effect on Monday 8/16.

Last trip 4 of us used the test from Veritas Genetics to re-enter the USA. Zero issues. Just ordered more for our upcoming trip.

Interesting. Why???

People have been found to be positive on their tests for leaving the island. I think this is why they want it done officially so they can then contact trace and try not to get community spread. If done unofficially would that person be responsible enough to say they were positive? They want as much control as they can to keep every one safe.

From their press release yesterday:
COVID-19 testing is one of the main strategies employed by the Government of Anguilla in order to identify sick persons early, so that they can be isolated and be treated as necessary. This lessens the likelihood of the spread of the disease on the island.
In light of the importance of testing and tracing of contacts of infected persons, as well as to ensure that all test results are entered into the national data base for international reporting and decision-making purposes, individuals and unapproved institutions are prohibited from importing COVID-19 tests of any type. This includes, but not limited to, RT-PCR, Antigen, Antibody, rapid and saliva tests of any kind, as well as self- administered kits available commercially or approved for research purposes. Regulations are in place that authorize the Ministry of Health to confiscate COVID-19 tests that are imported by individuals and unapproved institutions either for personal use or for sale.
Persons that contravene the regulations are liable upon summary conviction for a fine of $15,000.00 for importation of COVID-19 tests either for personal use or for commercial sale. Additionally, unapproved persons are liable upon summary conviction for a fine of $50,000.00 and a fine of six (6) months if they offer COVID-19 tests for sale to the public.

But if the person gets a positive test, then they can't get on the plane?? Still confused.

Yes, but the AXA Gov would not know they are positive if they do their own testing. They want to be able to contact trace.
They are being very careful, they do not have the ability to handle an epidemic.

Watch St Maarten to follow the same.

Agree....a positive test done by the traveler is still a positive test and they can't fly with that. I guess they could just prolong their stay and wander about without restrictions which spreading the disease and eventually get an official test which, if still positive, would start everything from day one. Not a fun experience either way

I guess it does make sense to know right away who is positive and deal with that

boucharda--OK, I guess that explains it.

boucharda--OK, I guess that explains it EXCEPT we are assuming that if a person on SXM tests positive at a lab, that the test result is automatically shared with government, with a specific name. Is that the case?? Never really thought about that.

A bit of assuming is needed I guess.

I would think any test taken, outside of home testing, has the results reported to the Health Dept for data and follow up if appropriate. This would be the only way the numbers are compiled and reported and some kind of control is maintained

The numbers reported, yes. Just never thought about whether they are reported with a specific name, etc.