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i am planning on a vaccine tomorrow before our trip and then getting a test. so am a bit concerned about testing positive in negril before our return home. . is it know what type of test is being administered at coco la palm. is it a viral or an antibody test or something else.
also what is the time frame for completing the travel authorization form before heading to negril
thanks
Second question first: from the Visitjamaica siteQuote:
Originally Posted by original spanky
Non-resident applications may be submitted anytime within the five (5) day period before the intended date of travel.
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Because the Antigen tests for antibodies and the vaccine creates antibodies in your body, if you take the Antigen test you will test positive. On the much more expensive PCR test you would probably test negative.
You have 3 choices, 1) wait on the vaccine, 2) take the more expensive PCR test and hope for the best, 3) contact the Visitjamaica.com site immediately and ask them what if any vaccine documentation and information you must have on hand to get past testing positive on the Antigen test.
Rob, thanks. very helpful
Rob, I believe that information is incorrect. According to the CDC you will not test positive from the vaccination from a viral test. You will test positive from the antibody test which isn’t accepted for travel. You can test positive on a viral test because you are not 100% protected and could actually have Covid. Bottom line after a vaccination you can still have the antigen test before departing for the US.
If anyone has conflicting information please share.
I have similar question. I tested positive for covid in early January. Planning a trip to Negril in March. I’m concerned of still testing positive. For return to the US, you need your positive test result and date along with a drs note stating you have recovered. I haven’t found anything like that for arrival to JA. Can anyone answer or point me in the right direction? I have contacted visit Jamaica.com and am waiting their response. Much thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by original spanky
Please wait for the Jamaican government response. It seems they are accepting the same documents as does the US for your return flight.
But wait for confirmation... ask again if no response.
My wife received her first vaccination January 27. We will be in Negril next week and just had our Antigen tests today. I am pleased to say both our tests Antigen tests gave Negative for Covid.
It takes the body between 10 to 14 days to develop enough antibodies to show up on the Antigen tests. Yesterday was your day 10.Quote:
Originally Posted by MissingNegril
Please bring a copy of ALL your vaccine information with you should you test positive here for your return flight.
We just had someone go through this happening and the documentation became extremely important.
See you soon.
This is incorrect - antigens are parts of the virus - you have them in your body as soon as you are infected. Antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR because PCR's trick is that it multiplies the amount of viral DNA it starts with making it easier to detect. Because antigen tests are less sensitive they *might* miss the virus early or late in the infection when there's less virus present. Your body produces antibodies which attach to antigens so yes, those come later but that is a different test which is relatively rare at this point.
Jamaica and United States are accepting antigen or PCR tests for travel - both test for virus. Antigen tests are faster and cheaper than PCR but less sensitive. Neither Jamaica nor United States accepts antibody tests but nobody will offer those to you when you ask to be tested for covid.
MarkY,
Thank you so much for the correction. After reading all the various source jargon I got the Antibody and Antigen tests confused. Thanks man!
But for those who have either one or two vaccine shots, or if you have had Covid but are Covid free now, please bring down full copies of all your documentation. That was the only way a person we know was able to leave after a positive test. The government is accepting the documentation.
Rumlover,
You were correct as well at catching my mistake, but I somehow missed your post.... Thanks for the assistance man!
Rob
MarkY is correct - an antigen is something that will provoke an immune system response, an antibody is the response. The easy way to know what you're getting is that an antibody test involves drawing blood. Vaccination does cause your body to begin producing antibodies without the actual presence of the virus; a positive antibody test could mean either you've been vaccinated or that you have had (and may well have recovered from) the virus.
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consum...testing-basics
visitjamaica.com has responded to my inquiry on how to travel with previously (early January) testing positive for covid and fear of possible subsequent positive test prior to march visit. I have a note from my doctor that i have recovered, and that I am clear for travel. Their response: "Under the current measures the Government of Jamaica requires that all travellers to Jamaica present a negative PCR test or negative Antigen test result, there will be no exceptions to this rule". That is more strict than the USA requirements. Ill have to get retested and see if I am clear. Otherwise another cancelled 3 - 4 week stay for us. Seems unreasonable for a country that is struggling so much right now. If anyone has heard otherwise, please let me know. Thanks..Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob
I understand your frustration, but how could anyone in Jamaica assess whether a note from a doctor is real, or what "recovered" means exactly to that doctor? The antigen test shows whether you are currently carrying the virus; Jamaica cannot afford to have tourists arrive who are carrying the virus. Seems pretty straightforward.
With a 10 period to test prior to travel, the test result is pretty much worthless at the time of travel. Same with the US requirement of 3 days.Quote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
It's not hard to make a system that really works. Hong Kong requires quarantine for 2 weeks when you arrive, with testing during the quarantine, plus is doing diagnostic testing of the entire population (my kids who live there are getting tested repeatedly). New Zealand requires testing within 72 hours of departure to NZ, plus testing and 14 days quarantine on arrival. That obviously works; would you find it acceptable? Maybe we shouldn't ***** too much about countries that are trying to find a middle ground that does not completely eliminate tourism.
Along with a certified lab said positive test result, should be the same as a certified lab negative test. According to the science you’re no longer able to pass the virus after 10 days. If we don’t trust the science than what are we trusting? One country’s requirements are good enough? The next isn’t? Then I would argue if that’s the case you shouldn’t trust that country’s visitors at all. I’m not trying to be selfish and risk Jamaica and it’s people. Just rationally listening to the “science” which says I’m good to go.Quote:
Originally Posted by wrtiii
Maybe I am missing something, but you will need to test within 10 days of your March visit.Quote:
Originally Posted by BayLaker
Get the Rapid Antigen test and if you are no longer carrying the virus, then you will have your negative test. If your doctor is correct, then you should test negative.
And remember, you will need to be tested again here to board your flight back to the US. It is after all possible to become infected here, which is why the US wants a test within 72 hours of departure.
Any previous tests or doctor's notes really don't come in play. Both countries want you and your fellow passengers to be safe.
I had three people that were supposed to come in mid January with me but they got Covid early to mid December and were still unable to secure a negative test a month plus later. I am sure many people are in the same boat, so they couldn't go, but one can only imagine if countries took Dr. notes as proof. How to verify it would be interesting and we all know some people would be trying to pass fraudulent documentation.