New Canadian Government PCR Test Requirement

We have booked 2 weeks in late Feb early March and had really hoped to be in Jamaica during this time. We have been watching all the changes in regulations and the reduction in flight services in our part of Canada but still thought we would be able make it happen. We had even made plans to self isolate for 14 days both before and after our trip to help both our Jamaican and Canadian friends stay safe. We have become experts in social distancing and mask wearing. We were all set.

Now the Canadian government has announced that you will require a PCR test 3 days before you fly into Canada. This may be the proverbial straw. Are there private clinics available in Jamaica (Hospiten, other???) that are equipped to support this. If not this will likely end our plans of seeing Negril and trying to support the local businesses we know are in great need.

From another thread:

Omega Medical Services can provide the new rapid Covid testing in 15 minutes for US$150.

Been getting private emails about this so apparently some places, countries, employers may be asking for them.

You can check out Omega Medical Services in the Medical section of our Things To Do!

They also have PCR testing...

Thanks - I too am reading the Canadian requirements to be tested max 72 hours before returning to Canada - let's see how this develops ... Government really does not want us to travel :(

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Originally Posted by irie always

Thanks - I too am reading the Canadian requirements to be tested max 72 hours before returning to Canada - let's see h ow this develops ... Government really does not want us to travel :(

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Irie, Don't take it personally, and Jamaica is not the problem. They are victims that are doing all they can to stay safe and make a living. The virus is taking over the world and with the help of denial, spreading throughout it. Fortunately vaccines will win the day but we need patience. Patience and safe practices. From a Canadian perspective we are coming up to an annual migration where Canadians travel to homelands and warmer climates whether it is Tet in February back to Asia or Spring Break for Quebecois in February, or March for the rest of Canada. Last year 1/3 of all cases came from Asia (Tet) 1/3 from North Africa and Europe (Quebec Spring Break) and 1/3 from the US and Caribbean ( Florida, Dominican Republic, Haiti etc) at Ontario Spring Break.
That is one of the reasons for the test requirements. And you will be monitored for 14 days on return. They are hiring more surveillance and tracking personnel every day.
You are right. The Canadian government doe's not want you to travel. All countries have discouraged travel. I don't want you to travel. I know that you will. So you have chosen one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Enjoy the hospitality as I know they will love to have you! And tell Hubbie that the Seastar Drummers have no curfew!!

FYI.... The US govt held a call with airlines today (30th) to discuss same requirements on return to US. Also "Airlines hope a negative Covid-19 test will replace an outright ban on non-citizens who have traveled to certain countries in the past 14 days." "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other U.S. agencies held a lengthy call with U.S. airlines Wednesday that discussed expanding COVID-19 test requirements to travelers arriving from other countries, sources briefed on the call said.

…The CDC expansion could eventually cover all U.S.-bound international air arrivals, officials said. " by Gary Leff "View from the Wing" newsletter

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Originally Posted by Rob

From another thread:

Omega Medical Services can provide the new rapid Covid testing in 15 minutes for US$150.

Been getting private emails about this so apparently some places, countries, employers may be asking for them.

You can check out Omega Medical Services in the Medical section of our Things To Do!

They also have PCR testing...

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Is PCR testing included in the $150 US/person rapid testing?

Is PCR testing included in the $150/US rapid testing? Does one need to make an appointment?

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Originally Posted by Douglas Henderson

Is PCR testing included in the $150/US rapid testing? Does one need to make an appointment?

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No, that is from another thread about a rapid test. I will be calling them today for the particulars, but PCR tests are available in Negril

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Originally Posted by dash

Irie, Don't take it personally, and Jamaica is not the problem. They are victims that are doing all they can to stay safe and make a living. The virus is taking over the world and with the help of denial, spreading throughout it. Fortunately vaccines will win the day but we need patience. Patience and safe practices. From a Canadian perspective we are coming up to an annual migration where Canadians travel to homelands and warmer climates whether it is Tet in February back to Asia or Spring Break for Quebecois in February, or March for the rest of Canada. Last year 1/3 of all cases came from Asia (Tet) 1/3 from North Africa and Europe (Quebec Spring Break) and 1/3 from the US and Caribbean ( Florida, Dominican Republic, Haiti etc) at Ontario Spring Break.
That is one of the reasons for the test requirements. And you will be monitored for 14 days on return. They are hiring more surveillance and tracking personnel every day.
You are right. The Canadian government doe's not want you to travel. All countries have discouraged travel. I don't want you to travel. I know that you will. So you have chosen one of the safest places in the Caribbean. Enjoy the hospitality as I know they will love to have you! And tell Hubbie that the Seastar Drummers have no curfew!!

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Dash is right. Simply put, you should not be travelling during this pandemic. What ever happened to common sense?

"I know that you will. So you have chosen one of the safest places in the Caribbean."

Airswift, There is no "common" in senses these days. Each case is different.
There has been little transmission of the virus on aircraft. Great care is taken at Canadian and Jamaican airports. Transport is strictly regulated and certified. The Jamaicans have set up controls and safety requirements to limit any exposures and the Canadian government is following their example of testing. Any Jamaican vacation is spent almost completely outdoors where the virus doe's not transmit well. The curfew is in place to prevent large gatherings and I have heard is successful in the tourist areas.
I would feel safer to travel to Negril, than the local Costco in Austin Texas.
I have chosen not to travel to Negril this year and would prefer that my friends didn't because should they get ill, I could not help them.
I also understand that for mental health and well being, Negril is a natural cure that is in the blood of many Canadians. The government advises against unnecessary travel. Maybe to some it is very necessary.

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Originally Posted by dash

"I know that you will. So you have chosen one of the safest places in the Caribbean."

Airswift, There is no "common" in senses these days. Each case is different.
There has been little transmission of the virus on aircraft. Great care is taken at Canadian and Jamaican airports. Transport is strictly regulated and certified. The Jamaicans have set up controls and safety requirements to limit any exposures and the Canadian government is following their example of testing. Any Jamaican vacation is spent almost completely outdoors where the virus doe's not transmit well. The curfew is in place to prevent large gatherings and I have heard is successful in the tourist areas.
I would feel safer to travel to Negril, than the local Costco in Austin Texas.
I have chosen not to travel to Negril this year and would prefer that my friends didn't because should they get ill, I could not help them.
I also understand that for mental health and well being, Negril is a natural cure that is in the blood of many Canadians. The government advises against unnecessary travel. Maybe to some it is very necessary.

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No "common" in senses??? Nice to have an opinion.

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Originally Posted by airswift

No "common" in senses??? Nice to have an opinion.

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Thank you. That was my point

As a Canadian citizen the Government cannot deny you entry. If you don't have a negative test they will require you to quarantine in a federally approved site until you are tested. The rest of the mandatory 14 day quarantine upon return remains in place.

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Originally Posted by Fisher Branch

As a Canadian citizen the Government cannot deny you entry. If you don't have a negative test they will require you to quarantine in a federally approved site until you are tested. The rest of the mandatory 14 day quarantine upon return remains in place.

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The airline will not board you without proof of negative test. You will not reach Canada.

From a story on CBC's website.
Travellers who are unable to procure tests before their flights home won't be stranded abroad, LeBlanc said. Immediately upon their return to Canada, he said, those passengers will be required to isolate at federally-approved sites until they obtain negative test results and meet other quarantine commitments.

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Originally Posted by Fisher Branch

From a story on CBC's website.
Travellers who are unable to procure tests before their flights home won't be stranded abroad, LeBlanc said. Immediately upon their return to Canada, he said, those passengers will be required to isolate at federally-approved sites until they obtain negative test results and meet other quarantine commitments.

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That is 14 days in a federal facility according to Marc Garneau

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Originally Posted by dash

That is 14 days in a federal facility according to Marc Garneau

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There are two possible outcomes for passengers who fail to obtain PCR tests prior to departure, Garneau said in an interview with CBC News.

"One is, if they haven't got the test result and there are clinics available, they will have to reschedule their departure because they won't be allowed on board," he said. "If, on the other hand, they can demonstrate ... that there was no facility, then they can be admitted onboard."

Travellers who can prove that they were unable to get a test abroad will have to quarantine at a federally-approved facility upon their return for 14 days.

Rob... I have just been in touch with Omega Medical Labs in Negril and they currently indicate they only do Antigen Tests. Furthermore, they also share that if one wants a PCR test, one must go to Montego Bay to the MicroLabs office for this test... takes 3 hours with results 24-48 hours post test. The also say they are negotiating with MicroLabs to open a Negril testing site with no time frame details of this negotiation.

Yes, thanks Douglas!

I have been in discussions with both Omega and MicroLabs. Omega used to be one of the testing sites for MicroLabs but it became economically unfeasible. With the necessity of the PCR tests now, this arrangement should once again take place.

As soon as they give me an update I will share it here.

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Originally Posted by Rob

Yes, thanks Douglas!

I have been in discussions with both Omega and MicroLabs. Omega used to be one of the testing sites for MicroLabs but it became economically unfeasible. With the necessity of the PCR tests now, this arrangement should once again take place.

As soon as they give me an update I will share it here.

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Thanks Rob, may be too late for us as timing may dictate making a decision by Monday, January 4 to reconfirm vacation. $190-$200 CDN/person for the test let alone the anxiety/stress awaiting results prior to leaving is taxing. This is assuming tests can be done and expedited in time in Negril :) Worst case scenario, this will be the first time in 40 years I will not have vacationed in Negril

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Originally Posted by Douglas Henderson

Thanks Rob, may be too late for us as timing may dictate making a decision by Monday, January 4 to reconfirm vacation. $190-$200 CDN/person for the test let alone the anxiety/stress awaiting results prior to leaving is taxing. This is assuming tests can be done and expedited in time in Negril :) Worst case scenario, this will be the first time in 40 years I will not have vacationed in Negril

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Hey Rob.... latest update... have cancelled our trip. With great uncertainly about testing site.... the potential of huge test demand, logistics, quarantine possibility in Jamaica and definitely for 14 days in Canada, ability to process test in time (within 72 hours of leaving to Canada) and the stress of thinking about the test throughout the holiday would not allow for the well needed familiar Negril relaxing experience. I am heart broken now. Have booked January 9-23, 2022 for our next trip hoping Pandemic will subside to allow for travel without current caveats.

Douglas,

No worries, completely understandable. Yesterday I was trying to calm down a Canadian visitors leaving on the 8th. She was beside herself and had been misinformed by all the varying stories floating around the Negril rumour mill.

It is a tough dilemma that the Canadian government put their citizens in...

And there seems to be growing concerns from the airlines as they have been given little to no guidance on how to implement these new regulations.

A real mess no matter how you look at it.

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Originally Posted by Rob

Douglas,

No worries, completely understandable. Yesterday I was trying to calm down a Canadian visitors leaving on the 8th. She was beside herself and had been misinformed by all the varying stories floating around the Negril rumour mill.

It is a tough dilemma that the Canadian government put their citizens in...

And there seems to be growing concerns from the airlines as they have been given little to no guidance on how to implement these new regulations.

A real mess no matter how you look at it.

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Too true, but no surprise.
Travellers who ignore Health Canada's travel advisory do so at their peril.
They new or should have known something like this could happen.
I booked my trip last Feb. for travel in Nov.
By March I knew it was not going to happen.

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Originally Posted by airswift

Too true, but no surprise.
Travellers who ignore Health Canada's travel advisory do so at their peril.
They new or should have known something like this could happen.
I booked my trip last Feb. for travel in Nov.
By March I knew it was not going to happen.

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I had emailed the lab in Montego Bay, already booked a appointment as I leave Jamaica Jan 31st. It is $20,000 JMD for the test which must be paid 24 hours before the test . Results take 48 to 72 hours. I also contacted the airline to see if my results are not back what are the change fees, however they advised due to the new PCR testing requirement the airline will put me on the next available flight for free if the results are not back in time before departure.
You can book your appointments online with microlabs in Montego Bay as they are the only lab who offers PCR testing right now. It can not be the antigen testing that negril offers at this time.

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Originally Posted by shetrytea

I had emailed the lab in Montego Bay, already booked a appointment as I leave Jamaica Jan 31st. It is $20,000 JMD for the test which must be paid 24 hours before the test . Results take 48 to 72 hours. I also contacted the airline to see if my results are not back what are the change fees, however they advised due to the new PCR testing requirement the airline will put me on the next available flight for free if the results are not back in time before departure.
You can book your appointments online with microlabs in Montego Bay as they are the only lab who offers PCR testing right now. It can not be the antigen testing that negril offers at this time.

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I assume you realize that if the "next available flight" exceeds 72 hours from your test result date you will have to be retested and go thru the whole procedure again.

I hate to share this, and Rob can delete it if it is not allowed, but we had to cancel our trip to Negril because of presumably false positive PCR test. The tests are supposed to be pretty reliable, but are not perfect. Just to briefly touch on what happened... I was tested only for travel (no symptoms, never any symptoms)...
Me: Negative Antigen (1/18), Positive PCR (1/18), Negative PCR (1/20)
Wife: Negative PCR (1/18)
Daughter: Negative Antigen (1/22)
I'm sure everybody says they are careful, but I have close contact with just a couple of other people, other than my household (wife and young daughter). Never been around anyone that has been sick (that I am aware of). The Department of Health told me to assume it was a false positive and to disregard it.

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Originally Posted by RyanP

I hate to share this, and Rob can delete it if it is not allowed, but we had to cancel our trip to Negril because of presumably false positive PCR test. The tests are supposed to be pretty reliable, but are not perfect. Just to briefly touch on what happened... I was tested only for travel (no symptoms, never any symptoms)...
Me: Negative Antigen (1/18), Positive PCR (1/18), Negative PCR (1/20)
Wife: Negative PCR (1/18)
Daughter: Negative Antigen (1/22)
I'm sure everybody says they are careful, but I have close contact with just a couple of other people, other than my household (wife and young daughter). Never been around anyone that has been sick (that I am aware of). The Department of Health told me to assume it was a false positive and to disregard it.

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Would a retest have cleared this up?

My primary care physician said it was recommended that two negative PCR tests be received at least 24 hours after the positive to negate it. With the short holiday week, this would have been difficult. Additionally, I did not feel comfortable misleading my hometown airline (who I fly with frequently and could potentially blacklist me if I was caught) or the Jamaican gov't, which could penalize me the fines or jail if it was found out that I was not honest with them. I can't imagine that the airline would have allowed me to fly or if the Jamaican gov't would have allowed me into the country if I would have disclosed the positive test. Even if I was allowed to enter Jamaica and disclosed the positive test, they would likely want me retested and confined to my room until the test was deemed negative. We were only staying for several days.

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Originally Posted by RyanP

My primary care physician said it was recommended that two negative PCR tests be received at least 24 hours after the positive to negate it. With the short holiday week, this would have been difficult. Additionally, I did not feel comfortable misleading my hometown airline (who I fly with frequently and could potentially blacklist me if I was caught) or the Jamaican gov't, which could penalize me the fines or jail if it was found out that I was not honest with them. I can't imagine that the airline would have allowed me to fly or if the Jamaican gov't would have allowed me into the country if I would have disclosed the positive test. Even if I was allowed to enter Jamaica and disclosed the positive test, they would likely want me retested and confined to my room until the test was deemed negative. We were only staying for several days.

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How can the Department of Health advise you to assume it's a false positive and disregard it. What if the test result is correct. How will you know without further testing?

Because of the facts involved, I suppose. I was only being tested because of Jamaica's requirements, had no close contact with infected/sick individuals, had no symptoms, had a negative Antigen test, followed by a positive PCR test (2 hours later), followed by a negative PCR test (46 hours later), and had negative tests for the two other individuals in my house for roughly the same time period. Sure, it could potentially bounce around my family and we could all be asymptomatic and the testing could just happen to miss it all but one test, but unlikely. My primary care physician said he had seen presumptive false positive tests and my neighbor's mother had a similar experience with the testing site that I used. By the time I would have been able to receive my test result from a second follow-up PCR test, the isolation period would have likely expired, anyway, so I just isolated.

Even with what the Department of Health said, I did not board the flight, I did not enter Jamaica and I was not around others after my positive test. Your questions are why I chose not to attempt to travel. It is not easy to explain or for someone else to understand. I'm just sharing my experience.

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Originally Posted by RyanP

Because of the facts involved, I suppose. I was only being tested because of Jamaica's requirements, had no close contact with infected/sick individuals, had no symptoms, had a negative Antigen test, followed by a positive PCR test (2 hours later), followed by a negative PCR test (46 hours later), and had negative tests for the two other individuals in my house for roughly the same time period. Sure, it could potentially bounce around my family and we could all be asymptomatic and the testing could just happen to miss it all but one test, but unlikely. My primary care physician said he had seen presumptive false positive tests and my neighbor's mother had a similar experience with the testing site that I used.

Even with what the Department of Health said, I did not board the flight, I did not enter Jamaica and I was not around others after my positive test.

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Maybe I'm missing something. I don't understand how the Department of Health can advise you to disregard the test results.

Because of the facts involved and the other negative tests and the timing. They can see all the results of all the tests and see that something doesn't add up. Based on the knowledge of the virus, one doesn't shed the virus for only 46 hours.

Anything is possible, but it is extremely unlikely that I was carrying/infected with the virus. Unlikely enough that I was told to disregard the positive test by the Department of Health.

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Originally Posted by airswift

I assume you realize that if the "next available flight" exceeds 72 hours from your test result date you will have to be retested and go thru the whole procedure again.

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Definitely, however the lab now offers 3 different days per week for testing so having results in time for my flight hopefully shouldn't be a issue. Flights are not to full at this time and worse case I buy a new ticket home or extend and keep back my original return and modify it for a future flight. I am not to worried I have the ability to work remotely and being stuck in Jamaica isn't the worse thing in the world ..lol