Rare teacherman Posted December 28, 2021 #1 Share Posted December 28, 2021 When the testing requirement began a few months ago, it seemed an "easy" hurdle to overcome. Many of us (like me) live in areas that have many testing sites available. All we had to do was go on-line and make an appointment for 2 days before the cruise. For those who did not have these opportunities, the cruise lines gave us contact sites where we could buy a self-administered test and we would have it shipped to us within several days. Not now. It is very difficult to schedule a test where I live. There are a few places where you can stand in line in the cold for a few hours, but not easy to do. And now, with millions of people wanting to be tested, I am also seeing reports on CC of people who ordered the tests and find out that after a week, or more, the tests have not even been shipped. Some people have gone to Florida a week early and can't find a testing opportunity. Just like with the new CDC quarantine guidelines, things are rapidly changing. Is the time coming when if we are fully vaxxed and boosted, we may not have to present a test (which may be highly inaccurate anyway)? Or, will they start to test people at the pier, as they did at the beginning? It would seem that something is going to have to change. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dateacher Posted December 28, 2021 #2 Share Posted December 28, 2021 I think this is a minor blip in the process because of the holiday and the speed of transmission of Omicron. I think after next week testing and test availability will get back to normal. I know of people who got tested "just because". They had not been around anyone but they just wanted to know. In my area, if I want an appointment a week out I can get them at CVS. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esther e Posted December 28, 2021 #3 Share Posted December 28, 2021 It's almost impossible if you sail on a Monday with the previous Saturday being a holiday and venues closed or fully booked on Sunday. I'm hoping for a clinic to do this for me; if not, I will cancel and use the credits for another cruise that DOES NOT sail on a Monday!! Fingers crossed. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot Posted December 28, 2021 #4 Share Posted December 28, 2021 I ordered my 6 test kits from eMed on December 20 and they were delivered on December 22. Great service!! 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeRick Posted December 28, 2021 #5 Share Posted December 28, 2021 27 minutes ago, dateacher said: I think this is a minor blip in the process because of the holiday and the speed of transmission of Omicron. I think after next week testing and test availability will get back to normal. I know of people who got tested "just because". They had not been around anyone but they just wanted to know. In my area, if I want an appointment a week out I can get them at CVS. According to the US government, there will be 500 million at home (free) tests available to everybody in January sometime. And a website. This will not be a substitute for the proctored tests needed for cruising but it will help the testing burden overall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeRick Posted December 28, 2021 #6 Share Posted December 28, 2021 19 minutes ago, esther e said: It's almost impossible if you sail on a Monday with the previous Saturday being a holiday and venues closed or fully booked on Sunday. I'm hoping for a clinic to do this for me; if not, I will cancel and use the credits for another cruise that DOES NOT sail on a Monday!! Fingers crossed. Best of luck!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrk2cruise Posted December 28, 2021 #7 Share Posted December 28, 2021 I have not seen major problems reported with the emed tests ordered from optum or emed.com. It's been reported that the tests being shipped from emed.com have expiry late next year. Don't wait until the last minute to order. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kabmab Posted December 28, 2021 #8 Share Posted December 28, 2021 We're in FL, sailing out of Tampa Mon. 1/3. Found out our County testing site is closed 1/1-1/2, so ordered from Optum and rcvd in 3 business days, also have backup appts for the two of us at Walgreens 1/2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrk2cruise Posted December 28, 2021 #9 Share Posted December 28, 2021 As of yesterday Walgreens still had appointments in Tampa on 1/2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kabmab Posted December 28, 2021 #10 Share Posted December 28, 2021 There should also be Urgent Care with testing over the weekend, no cost if Medicare or your insurance covers. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 28, 2021 #11 Share Posted December 28, 2021 24 minutes ago, pilot said: I ordered my 6 test kits from eMed on December 20 and they were delivered on December 22. Great service!! This people, do this…if you can post on Cruise Critic, you can easily do the at home proctored test..it’s a no brainer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helen haywood Posted December 28, 2021 #12 Share Posted December 28, 2021 36 minutes ago, pilot said: I ordered my 6 test kits from eMed on December 20 and they were delivered on December 22. Great service!! Could you tell me the expiration date on your tests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nocl Posted December 28, 2021 #13 Share Posted December 28, 2021 3 hours ago, wrk2cruise said: I have not seen major problems reported with the emed tests ordered from optum or emed.com. It's been reported that the tests being shipped from emed.com have expiry late next year. Don't wait until the last minute to order. Just got some from eMed. expiry date is at the end of 10/22 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jelayne Posted December 28, 2021 #14 Share Posted December 28, 2021 48 minutes ago, nocl said: Just got some from eMed. expiry date is at the end of 10/22 Great news! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbfb Posted December 28, 2021 #15 Share Posted December 28, 2021 (edited) 4 hours ago, kabmab said: We're in FL, sailing out of Tampa Mon. 1/3. Found out our County testing site is closed 1/1-1/2, so ordered from Optum and rcvd in 3 business days, also have backup appts for the two of us at Walgreens 1/2. If you are in Bradenton that state site is now open 1/1 and 1/2. Edited December 28, 2021 by cbfb Error Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 28, 2021 #16 Share Posted December 28, 2021 1 hour ago, nocl said: Just got some from eMed. expiry date is at the end of 10/22 Thanks for this info..I need to order 6 more.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firepath Posted December 28, 2021 #17 Share Posted December 28, 2021 6 hours ago, teacherman said: When the testing requirement began a few months ago, it seemed an "easy" hurdle to overcome. Many of us (like me) live in areas that have many testing sites available. All we had to do was go on-line and make an appointment for 2 days before the cruise. For those who did not have these opportunities, the cruise lines gave us contact sites where we could buy a self-administered test and we would have it shipped to us within several days. Not now. It is very difficult to schedule a test where I live. There are a few places where you can stand in line in the cold for a few hours, but not easy to do. And now, with millions of people wanting to be tested, I am also seeing reports on CC of people who ordered the tests and find out that after a week, or more, the tests have not even been shipped. Some people have gone to Florida a week early and can't find a testing opportunity. Just like with the new CDC quarantine guidelines, things are rapidly changing. Is the time coming when if we are fully vaxxed and boosted, we may not have to present a test (which may be highly inaccurate anyway)? Or, will they start to test people at the pier, as they did at the beginning? It would seem that something is going to have to change. Would be so much easier to just pay for a test at the port if it was available. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenb Posted December 28, 2021 #18 Share Posted December 28, 2021 1 hour ago, Firepath said: Would be so much easier to just pay for a test at the port if it was available. I agree but how long are you willing to be in the terminal for check in while they do tests? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croooser Posted December 28, 2021 #19 Share Posted December 28, 2021 (edited) Just bit the bullet and ordered the Optum at home for Celebrity test. Ordered the 3 for $99 to have spare in case of difficulty. Hate to pay for it when free tests may be available. But right now they are not. Small price when taken in the context of the price of the cruise. YMMV Edited December 28, 2021 by Croooser 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Turtles06 Posted December 28, 2021 #20 Share Posted December 28, 2021 4 hours ago, nocl said: Just got some from eMed. expiry date is at the end of 10/22 I just did as well. Expiration is at the end of November 2022. Very happy to see them providing newer kits! 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cangelmd Posted December 28, 2021 #21 Share Posted December 28, 2021 8 hours ago, TeeRick said: According to the US government, there will be 500 million at home (free) tests available to everybody in January sometime. And a website. This will not be a substitute for the proctored tests needed for cruising but it will help the testing burden overall. I don’t want to spark a political discussion, but I will believe that when I see it - the 31st is still January I guess. They threw Abbott under the bus once, albeit after pumping several millions into the company, I guess it’s ok to do that again, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cangelmd Posted December 28, 2021 #22 Share Posted December 28, 2021 5 hours ago, nocl said: Just got some from eMed. expiry date is at the end of 10/22 Thank you!! I will put DH right on it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pilot Posted December 29, 2021 #23 Share Posted December 29, 2021 9 hours ago, helen haywood said: Could you tell me the expiration date on your tests? 11-6-2022 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3boyz2keep Posted December 29, 2021 #24 Share Posted December 29, 2021 Just ordered e-Med tests yesterday. They've shipped and are expected via FedEx tomorrow. Thankful given the shortage of tests available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeeRick Posted December 29, 2021 #25 Share Posted December 29, 2021 13 hours ago, cangelmd said: I don’t want to spark a political discussion, but I will believe that when I see it - the 31st is still January I guess. They threw Abbott under the bus once, albeit after pumping several millions into the company, I guess it’s ok to do that again, No politics here intended in my remarks. But I should have said that the media and government reports indicate that we will start to see these free tests in January and at least hopefully we will see the website set up and activated for ordering them. As this gets going no matter the timeframe, it should take some of the pressure off the local test centers where people can get their rapid tests for their cruises and travel. OK so sometimes on rare occasion, I am an optimist! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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