BajaNomad

New CDC Travel Requirements

pascuale - 1-13-2021 at 03:55 AM

Looks like all travelers to US must get Covid Test within 72 hours of flight. Baja will be a ghost town.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid...

pauldavidmena - 1-13-2021 at 08:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pascuale  
Looks like all travelers to US must get Covid Test within 72 hours of flight. Baja will be a ghost town.

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid...


Unless travelers already in Baja decide not to go back.

:wow:

gnukid - 1-13-2021 at 08:56 AM

Tests are available at labs all over Baja, easy quick stop and they email results.

pauldavidmena - 1-13-2021 at 09:00 AM

One would think that the CDC should require U.S. residents traveling abroad to be Covid-negative as well.

Mula - 1-13-2021 at 09:35 AM

In July 2020 I paid 5000 pesos in La Paz for the test before I could go to Alaska. Anchorage Int'l Airport required this from arriving passengers.

JZ - 1-13-2021 at 09:39 AM

One problem is that it can take weeks or even months to test negative after you have had it.

Maderita - 1-13-2021 at 12:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
One problem is that it can take weeks or even months to test negative after you have had it.

"Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger."

I wonder how readily available a "viral test" is in Mexico and if available, how long it would take to get the results/documentation?

motoged - 1-13-2021 at 12:37 PM

No test = No travel

Kinda simple to figure out.

JZ - 1-13-2021 at 12:56 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Maderita  

"Air passengers are required to get a viral test (a test for current infection) within the 3 days before their flight to the U.S. departs, and provide written documentation of their laboratory test result (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must confirm the negative test result for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board. If a passenger does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test, the airline must deny boarding to the passenger."

I wonder how readily available a "viral test" is in Mexico and if available, how long it would take to get the results/documentation?


Thanks. That answers that question.

Maderita - 1-13-2021 at 02:13 PM

Here is a link to the CDC FAQ's:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-...

pacificobob - 1-13-2021 at 02:54 PM

i have been told that tests at various CSL hospitals cost between $290 to $500 plus! that will be quite an expense for the tourists

del mar - 1-13-2021 at 03:03 PM

get a test from a vending machine? UC San Diego has em!

https://www.romper.com/life/covid-19-test-vending-machines-a...

eastmeetswest - 1-13-2021 at 04:27 PM

Canada brought in the same requirement about a week ago. This makes it difficult to travel but not impossible. It does not seem to be an unreasonable requirement, but it will certainly hurt the airlines. Maybe the airlines will find a way to facilitate this in some destinations?

The Canadian requirement to quarantine for 14 days after returning is inconsistent with all of the science. You should be able to test out of quarantine with a couple of negative tests 5-7 days apart.

joel - 1-13-2021 at 06:47 PM

Anyone know where in Loreto one can get a rapid (antigen) test?

gnukid - 1-13-2021 at 06:53 PM

Yep in old Loreto behind the tire shop is a guy with a stick, he gives "the test" and immediately tells the result.

Mother of Dragons - 1-14-2021 at 06:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by gnukid  
Tests are available at labs all over Baja, easy quick stop and they email results.


Could you please provide the information on how you find testing facilities all over Baja.
Thank you

Mother of Dragons - 1-14-2021 at 06:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mula  
In July 2020 I paid 5000 pesos in La Paz for the test before I could go to Alaska. Anchorage Int'l Airport required this from arriving passengers.


Wow..that’s an expensive test

pacificobob - 1-14-2021 at 08:15 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mother of Dragons  
Quote: Originally posted by Mula  
In July 2020 I paid 5000 pesos in La Paz for the test before I could go to Alaska. Anchorage Int'l Airport required this from arriving passengers.


Wow..that’s an expensive test


from what i have heard, that price was relatively cheap.

AKgringo - 1-14-2021 at 08:19 AM

I got tested for free here in northern CA, but did not even get the results back in the 72 hour time frame!

mtgoat666 - 1-14-2021 at 08:35 AM

The antigen tests can be had for $80 USD same-day or 24-hr results. Testing employees on our construction crews frequently, every time the are potentially exposed, or get the sniffles.

JZ - 1-14-2021 at 08:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  


from what i have heard, that price was relatively cheap.


Seems pretty expensive for Mexico. It is $125 a the place by our house.

BornFisher - 1-14-2021 at 08:56 AM

I got a rapid test in Carlsbad for $99. From swab to results-- 3 minutes!

One of the San Diego fishing boat owners is testing everyone who is getting on the boat. These are multiple day fishing trips a long way from home. I heard him tell of one passenger who tested positive. They re-tested him, again positive. They sent him to another facility, another positive test! He got his money back and went home. Seems the airliners could do this too.

pacificobob - 1-14-2021 at 09:10 AM

500k people a day drive across the us/mex border. untested?
4000 a day fly out of SJD. to the usa.
this might be a bit more than covid testing labs can handle.
these numbers were the result of a very brief Google search and are approximate.

pacificobob - 1-15-2021 at 12:23 PM

belize is requiring a test prior to entry. they offer a $50us test on arrival. not sure what they do with folks waiting for test results.

On the other hand...

pauldavidmena - 1-17-2021 at 08:17 AM

The Gringo Gazette is encouraging travelers not to cancel their Cabo travel plans...

pacificobob - 1-17-2021 at 08:29 AM

only $195! $780 for a family of 4.. that will give pause to the less affluent tourists. the gringo G is most enthusiastic in its promotion of the cab-o tourist biz.
more than willing to minimize the impact on public health in csl... or perhaps they are pursuing altruistic goals of contributing to the economical welfare of the locals....much like some of the more generous nomads.

[Edited on 1-17-2021 by pacificobob]

phmilo - 1-17-2021 at 10:09 AM

Has anyone seen anything about a testing location in Todos? We have a possible trip pending, but the new restrictions are just another hurdle. Right now we are 50/50 on making it, but want to keep our options open.

Bajazly - 1-17-2021 at 11:07 AM

So ya fly on down to CSL and have a bang up time but once it's time to fly home, oops, Cv+, what's the plan?

pauldavidmena - 1-17-2021 at 12:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly  
So ya fly on down to CSL and have a bang up time but once it's time to fly home, oops, Cv+, what's the plan?


That's why I'm staying put - sad as that makes me. If, after over 10 months of near-total isolation, I fly down to Cabo, go through Customs, go to restaurants, etc., and end up getting exposed, I'm up the creek without a paddle. So while it's great that resorts are providing testing, what is Plan B in the event of a positive test result?

AKgringo - 1-17-2021 at 02:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly  
So ya fly on down to CSL and have a bang up time but once it's time to fly home, oops, Cv+, what's the plan?


That's why I'm staying put - sad as that makes me. If, after over 10 months of near-total isolation, I fly down to Cabo, go through Customs, go to restaurants, etc., and end up getting exposed, I'm up the creek without a paddle. So while it's great that resorts are providing testing, what is Plan B in the event of a positive test result?


Some of the better resorts are bringing in a supply of paddles, to be issued along with a positive test result. :(

pauldavidmena - 1-18-2021 at 09:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena  
Quote: Originally posted by Bajazly  
So ya fly on down to CSL and have a bang up time but once it's time to fly home, oops, Cv+, what's the plan?


That's why I'm staying put - sad as that makes me. If, after over 10 months of near-total isolation, I fly down to Cabo, go through Customs, go to restaurants, etc., and end up getting exposed, I'm up the creek without a paddle. So while it's great that resorts are providing testing, what is Plan B in the event of a positive test result?


Some of the better resorts are bringing in a supply of paddles, to be issued along with a positive test result. :(


Had I only known!

:lol::lol::lol:

pauldavidmena - 1-19-2021 at 06:04 AM

Per the most recent Gringo Gazette, here are the Covid-19 test sites in Los Cabos:

JZ - 1-19-2021 at 07:20 AM

One of my employees flew to mainland MX early January.

He said there was a Covid scare at his hotel. He didn't get it, but ended up quarantined in his room for a week.

My daughter and 8 members of her soccer team just tested positive this week. The school moved them to a special building for 10 days.



[Edited on 1-19-2021 by JZ]

shari - 1-19-2021 at 08:51 AM

For whale season in Guerrero Negro, it is being suggested that operators test every 2 weeks and the tests will be offered to the tourism sector for 300 pesos...just what I heard.

For whale watching boats, they are allowing 2 people per bench and 40% occupancy at the moment.

pauldavidmena - 1-25-2021 at 07:21 AM

According to today's Gringo Gazette, the Los Cabos airport will offer Covid-19 tests for U.S. tourists requiring a negative test within 72 hours of returning from Mexico.

pacificobob - 1-25-2021 at 08:02 AM

lets go back to cab-0!

shame on the gringo gazette. how many tourists who have this vague notion
cabo being one big fiesta will die. i see unmasked tourists everytime i leave the house.
i wonder how many deaths this reckless, fun-loving, consequence free, shameful promotion of their advertisers the GG will contribute to?

Cancamo - 1-25-2021 at 10:27 AM

Gringo Gazette is a joke. More of a promoter of their Real Estate advertisers with feel-good tid bits targeting their insolated english-only readers. Often with erroneous, poorly vetted information ever promoting the scorched earth "progress" which is the story of San Lucas.

Numerous sources exist for what's going on, ie: El Sudcaliforniano, Colectivo Pericue, El Transpeninsular, Noticia La Paz, etc...

pauldavidmena - 1-25-2021 at 11:45 AM

I completely agree that articles like these have the potential to give tourists the false impression that all is well. To paraphrase the old expression: "Just because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should."

surabi - 1-25-2021 at 11:01 PM

The Gringo Gazette promo encouraging tourism is not a good thing, but the fact that there will be testing available in some major airports is a good thing.

Plenty of people who live in Mexico full or part time have essential reasons to have to leave the country or return. That this will be available without having to go to another facility and hope you get the results back in time for your flight is great. It's not just a benefit to tourists who want to come to party.

mtgoat666 - 1-26-2021 at 07:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
The Gringo Gazette promo encouraging tourism is not a good thing, but the fact that there will be testing available in some major airports is a good thing.

Plenty of people who live in Mexico full or part time have essential reasons to have to leave the country or return. That this will be available without having to go to another facility and hope you get the results back in time for your flight is great. It's not just a benefit to tourists who want to come to party.


I would prefer to receive my test result the day before I go to the airport. If you are going to get a positive result, I prefer to get it before I leave for airport. If I receive positive result at airport, then I have to return to home or hotel, eh?
So much easier to know you are denied travel the day before instead of being denied travel after arriving at airport...

And what does the tourist do after being denied travel due to positive result?
If you return to your hotel and say you have to stay a few extra days, the hotel will suspect you are positive, and perhaps deny you check in, eh?




[Edited on 1-26-2021 by mtgoat666]

imlost - 1-26-2021 at 08:42 AM

Nobody, including the Gringo Gazette, should be promoting tourism right now. Their publication is horrible and nothing but propaganda aimed at making tourists feel warm and fuzzy, so they will get hyped-up on the magic of Mexico. Their stories are best carelessly thrown together and at worst outright lies which start with their agenda; selling advertisement to companies who are trying to capitalize on the dreams of tourists. Real news includes bad news, good news, and everything in between - including accurate reporting on the pandemic.

pacificobob - 1-26-2021 at 08:43 AM

i can imagine the conversations at the hotel desk when recently checked out guests return and need rooms due to having a contagious desease [ i assume calling it a desease has been permitted by BN pathologists]

mtgoat666 - 1-26-2021 at 08:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
i can imagine the conversations at the hotel desk when recently checked out guests return and need rooms due to having a contagious desease [ i assume calling it a desease has been permitted by BN pathologists]


Well, that is and easier situation than seeking treatment after you develop pneumonia in cabo and find out the hospital is full and not accepting patients, eh?

What type of people think international air travel in the middle of an epidemic is wise choice?

Smart idea to fly to another country, get covid disease, and be stuck in that foreign country :light:

pacificobob - 1-26-2021 at 10:48 AM



What type of people think international air travel in the middle of an epidemic is wise


where do i begin? self- absorbed , delusional, reckless, and did i already mention stupid?
my goal here is not to insult these folks. however stupid people exist, and more often than not they are unaware of their disability.

joel - 1-27-2021 at 11:14 AM

It's definitely a pain and expensive to get tested, but it's terrible to have people get on the airplane with COVID, right? How expensive is it to get a bunch of your fellow passengers infected if you get on the plane with COVID?

And for the record, the CDC is requiring tests before return flights to the US and offering the guideline that people self-isolate for 7 days after landing, even with a negative test.

sd - 1-27-2021 at 12:07 PM

CDC is considering mandatory tests for US domestic travel also.

Hook - 1-27-2021 at 12:13 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  


What type of people think international air travel in the middle of an epidemic is wise


where do i begin? self- absorbed , delusional, reckless, and did i already mention stupid?
my goal here is not to insult these folks. however stupid people exist, and more often than not they are unaware of their disability.


Well, what type of government signs on to only allowing "essential" travel........and then proceeds to look the other way while thousands of people vacation there.

Mexico, that's who. They're actually encouraging people to visit Mexico.

Seriously, it reminds me of the refi and home loan fiasco of 2006-7. Banks and other lenders, in conjunction with the ratings corporations and a slumbering SEC, approved all these loans that people should never have been approved for. Just shocking that people jumped in with both feet, when they got "approval". :rolleyes:

If you arent going to enforce legitimate constraints, don't be surprised when lots of people think a vacation is "essential".

[Edited on 1-27-2021 by Hook]

Hook - 1-27-2021 at 12:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by sd  
CDC is considering mandatory tests for US domestic travel also.


The new PRESIDENT has asked the heads of four Federal agencies to come up with recommendations on land crossings within 15 days of his Executive Order of Jan. 21st. So, in about 8-9 days, we COULD seem something proposed, affecting crossing by land into Mexico. I doubt any change would take effect for a couple weeks; similar to the delay in requiring a negative test to fly into the US.

Even then, an estimated 500+k people cross the border from Mexico into the US EACH DAY! I doubt Mexican labs could keep up with that amount and still get the results back to you in less than three days.

[Edited on 1-27-2021 by Hook]