Private covid testing

[frankp01]

1 minute ago, lissie said:

I'm kinda amazed that there is only  one CVS outlet in the whole of SF doing rapid antigen  tests

Here in the Philadelphia area there are more than 25 CVS locations doing lab tests (PCR, etc.) But only 5 doing rapid antigen tests. I have no idea why, unless there just isn't the demand for them.

[lissie]

3 hours ago, frankp01 said:

One additional option is to buy the "supervised" home tests, where the testing process is monitored via a video call. You could have those mailed to, and held at, your hotel. I believe eMed is the outfit, and the tests are about $150 for 6. As far as I can tell that's the minimum quantity available. I've seen suggestions to have a backup, in case something goes wrong. So, for two travellers you might want to have 3 or 4 on hand, anyway.

Yeah I've heard of them- they won't ship outside the USA - but  they might be a possibility I have family who live in the USA who are coming to NZ before we go to the USA so they could bring the tests for us. However I'm not sure if that would work as the address wouldn't match with our other documents for Cunard 

[Benpointer]

Hi there,

 

Cunard have updated their covid policy for sailing from may/June onwards, see link:

 

https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail/at-the-terminal

 

Does anyone know whether a self-administered LFT with results recorded on the NHS website is sufficient evidence?  They say the tests do not need to be medically observed: 

 

For embarks in Southampton all guests must use a private antigen self-test that meets the criteria below. For Southampton embarks this test does not need to be medically observed.

Accepted antigen tests include:

• Antigen Lateral Flow.
• Rapid antigen test.
• Viral antigen test.
• Antigen Chromatographic Digital Immunoassay.
• Antigen Chemiluminescence Immunoassay.

 

Thanks!

[lynpin]

18 hours ago, Slc334 said:

Can anyone shed some light on the private covid testing rules cunard have just introduced. 
I sail on a Sunday, so can I test anytime the day before or is it 24hrs prior to my embarkation time? The information is quite ambiguous. 
I’m worried as we sail on a Sunday and the hours some testing companies work at weekends is reduced. 
Really don’t want to get this wrong! Bring back terminal testing!!! 
 

Has anyone had en experience of private testing to go away? 
thanks in advance 

 

Hi, I also found their "one day prior" ambiguous and rang this morning. The upshot was that they'd prefer it to be within 24 hours of sailing but as they'd used the phrasing "one day" that it was okay to have the test at any time onn the day before sailing. Clear as mud, right? Hope it helps.

[frankp01]

1 hour ago, lissie said:

I'm not sure if that would work as the address wouldn't match with our other documents for Cunard 

Not having used one of the proctored tests, I can't absolutely confirm this. But none of the test results I've received (including CVS) included an address. My name and DOB were the only two identifiers on the results. Maybe someone on this board can chime in whether an address would appear on your eMed results. If you can get your hands on some of the proctored tests, regardless of how they make their way to you, I think you could make them work. 

 

With the proctored tests it doesn't matter where you are when you do the test, what matters is that you have an internet connection. I thought perhaps there was a company in NZ that offered them, which would eliminate the international issues, but that doesn't appear to be the case. You could have purchased them in NZ and carried them with you.

 

 

[frankp01]

I asked one of the posters in the West Coast forum, as a non-US citizen, what testing site they used. His response:

 

We used On Point for $69.00 It worked out well in the end but nobody showed up for work and there wire abut 20 people or more in line an hour later when someone showed up.    They said it was rare for that to happen but we were freezing in the cold weather while waiting.  844 Folsom St, San Francisco

 

It looks like their website is: OnPoint COVID-19 Testing - Rapid Antigen and PCR Testing Specialists (onpoint-testing.com)

An online test is $49, which is not bad. I assume it's like the other proctored tests... they mail you the kit and supervise your test virtually.

[rafinmd]

4 hours ago, lissie said:

Yeah I've heard of them- they won't ship outside the USA - but  they might be a possibility I have family who live in the USA who are coming to NZ before we go to the USA so they could bring the tests for us. However I'm not sure if that would work as the address wouldn't match with our other documents for Cunard 

See if your hotel will accept the shipment and hold them for your arrival.

 

Roy

[Annabel50]

21 hours ago, Bell Boy said:

I am sailing on 'a  Sunday' ( in June) ...I live in the UK and have arranged to have a test at my Lloyds Pharmacy on' the Saturday'    (look for one by phone.... in your area) I have been assured my result will be in 15 mins ....and will include a certificate    either way ,   

We have also booked at a Lloyds Pharmacy on a Saturday for beginning of September and surprising how booked up some of the slots already are, a lot could change by then but dont want the hastle of last minute issues with home testing, computer issues etc. and we are travelling to Southampton the day before our cruise.

Edited April 14, 2022 by Annabel50
typo

[lissie]

I contacted City Health and got this back from them: 

 

We offer COVID tests for international travelers.

(Effective March 22, 2022)

Here is a list of our fees for each test along with the turnaround time.

$149 for 24–36 hours PCR (next day)
$99 for rapid antigen 1-3 hours
$129 for rapid molecular abbot 1-6 hours

Please proceed to the website to book an appointment.
https://covidtesting.cityhealth.com/

 

I tried to do a test booking with them - they show good availability within the next few days - but the first step was to enter my US phone number! I haven't got one of those  so emailed again (they are very responsive) and they said I could book via email just needed to upload an image of my ID (I assume passport) . 

 

Eye-watering expensive compared to the US$4 pp we will pay in NZ in a few weeks to test to go to Fiji but at least it seems reasonably available. 

[lissie]

9 hours ago, frankp01 said:

 

It looks like their website is: OnPoint COVID-19 Testing - Rapid Antigen and PCR Testing Specialists (onpoint-testing.com)

An online test is $49, which is not bad. I assume it's like the other proctored tests... they mail you the kit and supervise your test virtually.

That's definitely my preference - don't really want to waste an hour or so in SF going to a clinic. 

 

They look promising as they will ship to a different address so could get the relatives to bring the tests to us when them travel out to NZ next month. 

[Mareblu]

18 hours ago, lynpin said:

Hi, I also found their "one day prior" ambiguous and rang this morning. The upshot was that they'd prefer it to be within 24 hours of sailing but as they'd used the phrasing "one day" that it was okay to have the test at any time onn the day before sailing. Clear as mud, right? Hope it helps.

Actually, that helps us a lot.  I wouldn't know where to start looking for private testing in Barcelona, but Heathrow Airport the day before would be perfect.  Thanks lynpin 🥰

[Windsurfboy]

Lizzie, can't you buy a video supervised LFT in new Zealand,  take it with you do video call from USA,  get email certificate 

[lissie]

1 hour ago, Windsurfboy said:

Lizzie, can't you buy a video supervised LFT in new Zealand,  take it with you do video call from USA,  get email certificate 

No - its not a thing that exists here at the moment - mayby July - who knows? Its hard to see the market though because every pharmacy will do an anitgen test for you while you waited and they range from crazy cheap to expensive (US$4-US$150) 

[gkerlin]

We leave on a TA Sunday, May 15 and I have the Binax now medically observed tests which we plan to use. Since we’ll be traveling/arriving from Arizona in our motorhome I’m hoping the cell data service will be sufficient for the self-test on Friday, but I was looking for a back up test location Plan B just in case.

 

 I also have noticed that very few Walgreens/CVS locations where we will be in upstate NY have the rapid antigen test. Most of them have rapid NAAT tests however. I’m not sure if the NAAT test is considered acceptable by Cunard. Supposedly they’re more sensitive and a better test but who the heck knows? 

[bluemarble]

45 minutes ago, gkerlin said:

... I also have noticed that very few Walgreens/CVS locations where we will be in upstate NY have the rapid antigen test. Most of them have rapid NAAT tests however. I’m not sure if the NAAT test is considered acceptable by Cunard. Supposedly they’re more sensitive and a better test but who the heck knows? 

 

The Cunard website indicates NAAT tests are acceptable for US departures. From the "Accepted pre-cruise tests for the USA and Canada" section of their "Preparing to sail - at the terminal" page:

 

"The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test)."

Edited April 15, 2022 by bluemarble

[gkerlin]

4 hours ago, bluemarble said:

 

The Cunard website indicates NAAT tests are acceptable for US departures. From the "Accepted pre-cruise tests for the USA and Canada" section of their "Preparing to sail - at the terminal" page:

 

"The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test)."

Ahhh…. Thanks blue marble!

 

I looked at the upper section about testing at the terminal and it only specified an antigen test but somehow I missed down below where they list the accepted tests where it does mention NAAT

 

That gives me more options just in case.

[larryandregina]

My husband and I were quarantined on a Princess cruise ship and have a “recovery letter” which includes date “safe to travel”.  Since after recovery you still can test positive but not be sick or contagious we were told that for 90 days we are not required to take a Covid test for travel if we present this paperwork..

 

does anyone have experience with Cunard with this situation?

[WestonOne]

I received the information from Cunard as well, and agree it is very confusing (Southampton departure.)  The web site says, in a bold font, that the test must be undertaken one day before the trip, then says it accepts PCR tests which all seem to take 48 hours.  We have looked at various places, such as "Boots" that can undertake a government approved monitored test with results in one hour or less, but they admit the possibility of a test being invalid.  If so, they give you a voucher for a free replacement, but no guarantee they could get it done the same day i.e. before sailing.  I am not sure what the insurance position would be for a failed test in terms of reclaiming the fare from the insurance company or a Cunard FCC if that happened.

The 'old' system of testing you at the dock was a bit of a drag, but I would much prefer they had kept that as an alternative for those who had not got a suitable valid test by other means.

Edited April 16, 2022 by WestonOne

[LifeonMars]

1 hour ago, WestonOne said:

I received the information from Cunard as well, and agree it is very confusing (Southampton departure.)  The web site says, in a bold font, that the test must be undertaken one day before the trip, then says it accepts PCR tests which all seem to take 48 hours.  We have looked at various places, such as "Boots" that can undertake a government approved monitored test with results in one hour or less, but they admit the possibility of a test being invalid.  If so, they give you a voucher for a free replacement, but no guarantee they could get it done the same day i.e. before sailing.  I am not sure what the insurance position would be for a failed test in terms of reclaiming the fare from the insurance company or a Cunard FCC if that happened.

The 'old' system of testing you at the dock was a bit of a drag, but I would much prefer they had kept that as https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail/at-the-terminal#southamptonan alternative for those who had not got a suitable valid test by other means.

 

@ WestonOne,  if worried about mucking up a home test the day before travel,  like Randox or Qured etc  then if you are in Southampton then why not book the Regenerative Clinic at West Quay  or Lloyds Pharmacy, the day before travel,  for an  LFT test,  They would redo the test at the clinic/pharmacy if it messed up at the time.  You only have to wait for the tester to input the details into their computer for the certificate to be transmitted to you if negative.

 

https://www.theregenerativeclinic.co.uk/southampton-covid-19-rapid-antigen-test-appointment-booking/

 

https://lloydspharmacy.com/pages/covid-test-for-travel

 

The latest Cunard info appears not to mention PCR Tests for a Southampton departure, 

 

https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/the-cunard-experience/sailing-with-confidence/preparing-to-sail/at-the-terminal#southampton

 

Edited April 16, 2022 by LifeonMars

[elmsliebev]

Does anyone know if the Fit to Fly test at Lloyds where a healthcare professional swabs you are classed as "private observed antigen" tests? We need the private observed one for embarking in Canada and if Cunard fall into line with other cruise lines leaving Canada and allow an LFT 2 days beforehand we could get that done before we fly out. And presumably a certificate is issued? Thanks

Edited April 16, 2022 by elmsliebev

[WestonOne]

1 hour ago, LifeonMars said:

 

@ WestonOne,  if worried about mucking up a home test the day before travel,  like Randox or Qured etc  then if you are in Southampton then why not book the Regenerative Clinic at West Quay  or Lloyds Pharmacy, the day before travel,  for an  LFT test,  

 I was  not worried about mucking up a home test as such, because I will certainly have it done at such a site.  I looked at "Boots" as I said, but would be equally happy with "Lloyds".   The Regenerative Clinic I know nothing about, but if I browsed it and found it was government approved, I would be just as happy there.

No, I was more referring to the fact that there is a small chance any test  is invalid, whoever carries it out.  If that happens, the ability to have a second test on the same day would become important.

Edited April 16, 2022 by WestonOne

[LifeonMars]

46 minutes ago, elmsliebev said:

Does anyone know if the Fit to Fly test at Lloyds where a healthcare professional swabs you are classed as "private observed antigen" tests? We need the private observed one for embarking in Canada and if Cunard fall into line with other cruise lines leaving Canada and allow an LFT 2 days beforehand we could get that done before we fly out. And presumably a certificate is issued? Thanks

 

Yes they are,  Remember to take your passport along  . If you read other posts others are using Lloyds pharmacy as they issue a fit to fly certificate.

Edited April 16, 2022 by LifeonMars

[bluemarble]

40 minutes ago, elmsliebev said:

Does anyone know if the Fit to Fly test at Lloyds where a healthcare professional swabs you are classed as "private observed antigen" tests? We need the private observed one for embarking in Canada and if Cunard fall into line with other cruise lines leaving Canada and allow an LFT 2 days beforehand we could get that done before we fly out. And presumably a certificate is issued? Thanks

 

The problem as I see it is that Cunard's requirements as currently stated on their website for embarking in Canada do not allow an LFT taken two days beforehand. Quoting from the "Pre-cruise testing for voyages departing from Canada." section of the Cunard website "Preparing to sail - at the terminal." page (emphasis mine):

 

"All fully vaccinated guests will need to organise and purchase a private observed PCR test to be taken 72 hours, or an observed antigen test to be taken one day prior to arrival at the embarkation terminal."

 

My understanding of Canada's regulations are that they do allow an antigen test taken two days prior to embarking a cruise ship. I don't know why Cunard's rules appear to be more strict with that timeframe for embarking in Canada.

[Jack E Dawson]

Does anyone have actual experience with Lloyds Pharmacy. I just booked an appointment with the Lloyds Pharmacy Central Southampton on St. Mary's for Saturday the 7th at 14:30 (near our hotel and the Cruise terminal). Received confirmation from that store with correct time and date. However, when I checked the stores web site it says their hours on Saturday are 9:00 - 12:00. Confusing. Wonder if I should have a plan B???

Jack

[canoncruiser]

WOW this pre-travel testing is getting CRAZY😖

For those who are sailing from NYC-BEWARE of street kiosks. I had a test at one adjacent to my local Walgreens-seemed very efficient -next day I got a text saying my test result ‘is ready’ - that was it and that was four days ago-nothing more despite attempts to find out😡-now I find that there is a lot of angry controversy on the Net about the outfit that runs those kiosks. 

Fortunately I will have a PCR at  NYU Hospital, where my PC is based, before I sail on an NCL ship BUT-I will be transferring directly to QM2 at Southampton on the 8th of May. So I hope I can get a test on the NCL boat. I’ll check the NCL board.