Land Border Opening?

[mevelandry]

I actually think the cruise lines NEED the testing. They are already under great scrutiny even without COVID as "floating petri-dishes". I would feel much safer being on a ship knowing that A) everyone is vaccinated and B) everyone has had some type of test before boarding. Their success with these two things alone I just can't see them doing away with it. Especially if the tests are being paid for by the customer.

Is it safer? Yes. But I'm not a fan of paying 250$ to get a Qtip down my nose and stressing out about where and when I'll have the test done prior to the cruise to make sure the results are out on time and/or still valid at the time of the cruise.

 

[ellbell]

Is it safer? Yes. But I'm not a fan of paying 250$ to get a Qtip down my nose and stressing out about where and when I'll have the test done prior to the cruise to make sure the results are out on time and/or still valid at the time of the cruise.

Most cruise ship except the rapid antigen test and a lot of them advertise that you can use a monitored at home test.

 

[TommyJK]

I don't know about this, I told BeeperMD that I was Canadian and they said it didn't matter. So maybe the higher ups will change their mind but I don't think the places doing the tests will be bothered.

Oh I agree that I don't think the pharmacies care at the moment. They get paid by the gov't or health insurance providers to process all of these tests. So as long as they keep getting paid they won't care. But all it takes is the government to notice and change how those tests are being funded for us to lose our free lunches.

 

[mevelandry]

Most cruise ship except the rapid antigen test and a lot of them advertise that you can use a monitored at home test.

The tests monitored at home are not available in Canada (Quebec).

The rapid antigen tests are not much cheaper (maybe 200$ last time I checked). Didn’t I read that those are too sensitive and you could test positive for COVID even though you are fully healed? I’m a bit scared of a false positive.

 

[ellbell]

The tests monitored at home are not available in Canada (Quebec).

The rapid antigen tests are not much cheaper (maybe 200$ last time I checked). Didn’t I read that those are too sensitive and you could test positive for COVID even though you are fully healed? I’m a bit scared of a false positive.

This one ships to Canada and is a PCR tests and says you'd have the results in 24 to 48 hours. You do it yourself and is less than 120 USD.

https://www.adlhealth.com/air-canada/
Also if you're able to cross the border at anytime beforehand you can buy the rapid antigen tests in the states or ship them to a friend or family member and have them sent to.

Another alternative is to drive to Ontario and get the rapid antigen test at Shoppers or Costco for 40 or 15 dollars respectively. There are options and for people who really want to cruise they will get the needed tests.

 

[KNovacovschi]

As of Oct 15th at 7:04pm:

https://www.cp24.com/mobile/news/u-...80o1oJh06u88BDrffb8kp1CJD0GIFAbFNEj8tyCZn3glg
Mixed vaccines (AZ/mRNA combo) will be accepted!!

 

[OnceUponATime15]

Great news!

@CityNewsTO: #BREAKING: Canadians who received doses of two or more different COVID-19 vaccines will be considered eligible to enter the United States next month. https://bddy.me/3lN9PCK

 

[2Lunds]

https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/u-s-canadian-travellers-mixed-vaccines-1.6213176
Mixers are a go guys...

 

[Starwind]

For those who want the info directly from the CDC:

"Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People" https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

QUOTE
Summary of Recent Changes

• Based on evolving evidence, CDC recommends fully vaccinated people get tested 5-7 days after close contact with a person with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
• Added Annex describing what vaccines qualify people as fully vaccinated and how to interpret vaccine records.

END QUOTE

The ANNEX referred to [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html#annex] - I HAVE ADDED BOLD to highlight the relevant paragraph re: mixed doses:

QUOTE

Annex

In general, people are considered fully vaccinated:

• 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or
• 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

This guidance applies to COVID-19 vaccines currently approved or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson [J&J]/Janssen COVID-19 vaccines), and can be applied to COVID-19 vaccines that have been listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (such as AstraZeneca/Oxford). Additionally, this guidance can be applied to clinical trial participants from U.S. sites who received all recommended doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that is neither approved nor authorized for use by FDA but is listed for emergency use by WHO, or who have received the full series of an “active” (not placebo) COVID-19 vaccine candidate for which vaccine efficacy has been independently confirmed (e.g., by a data and safety monitoring board). Currently, participants in the U.S.-based AstraZeneca and Novavax COVID-19 vaccine trials meet these criteria. These U.S. participants in COVID-19 vaccine trials can be considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after they complete the vaccine series, if it has been confirmed that they received “active” vaccine, and not placebo. More information is available at Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC.

Interpretation of vaccine records: CDC has not recommended the use of heterologous (i.e., mix-and-match) primary series. However, the use of such strategies (including mixing of mRNA, adenoviral, and mRNA plus adenoviral products) is increasingly common in many countries outside of the United States. Therefore, for the purposes of interpretation of vaccination records, individuals can be considered fully vaccinated ≥2 weeks after receipt of the last dose if they have received any single dose of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO EUL approved single-dose series (i.e., Janssen), or any combination of two doses of an FDA approved/authorized or WHO emergency use listed COVID-19 two-dose series. The recommended interval between the first and second doses of FDA-approved/authorized and WHO-EUL listed vaccines varies by vaccine type. However, for purposes of interpretation of vaccine records, the second dose in a two dose heterologous series must have been received no earlier than 17 days (21 days with a 4 day grace period) after the first dose.

The above guidance on interpreting vaccine records does not impact CDC recommendations on primary series vaccination and should not guide clinical practice.

END QUOTE

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

Just a friendly reminder that for some of us driving across the border is not about shopping or tourism, but about how we see our families. Those short trips are what was/is normal for me with parents that take less time to drive to than the far side of the GTA. So as long as the test requirement stands, I have to pay a $$$ tax for going to see my parents. The new rule that says the test no longer has to be done in the U.S., but instead can be done in Canada, as long as it is done 72 hours or less before I return, highlights the fact that it's a deterrent.
Walk through the ~logic:
If I test on Monday in Ontario, drive to my parents' house, and then return on Wednesday once I get my test results, what has the test proven? What public-health service has the test provided to Canada? Nothing. If I test negative, it was before I even reached the U.S., so who cares? If I test positive, it means I got Covid in Ontario, not the U.S.! So I don't believe public-health experts fear that short driving trips by vaxxed people, esp to go to a home, not a concert, mall, ball game, airport, or other large gathering of people, are a serious Covid threat. The government just wants to keep them to a minimum, and if my children get less time with their grandparents, well, we're just collateral damage.
A public-health specialist on CBC Radio One a few days ago even pointed out that Canada could allow the rapid tests, as they are easier and less expensive, less labour intensive wrt medical personnel administering them (because you can do it yourself), so we could have more tests done and people would test closer to when they re-enter Canada (so after more of their time in a different place, a more relevant time). Those benefits, he felt, override the few false negatives the rapid tests miss, esp as the only people allowed to travel anyway are fully vaxxed.
Sorry, just my weekly vent. Very glad to hear that people with mixed doses are being accepted as fully vaxxed.

 

[pigletto]

.

Just a friendly reminder that for some of us driving across the border is not about shopping or tourism, but about how we see our families. Those short trips are what was/is normal for me with parents that take less time to drive to than the far side of the GTA. So as long as the test requirement stands, I have to pay a $$$ tax for going to see my parents. The new rule that says the test no longer has to be done in the U.S., but instead can be done in Canada, as long as it is done 72 hours or less before I return, highlights the fact that it's a deterrent.
Walk through the ~logic:
If I test on Monday in Ontario, drive to my parents' house, and then return on Wednesday once I get my test results, what has the test proven? What public-health service has the test provided to Canada? Nothing. If I test negative, it was before I even reached the U.S., so who cares? If I test positive, it means I got Covid in Ontario, not the U.S.! So I don't believe public-health experts fear that short driving trips by vaxxed people, esp to go to a home, not a concert, mall, ball game, airport, or other large gathering of people, are a serious Covid threat. The government just wants to keep them to a minimum, and if my children get less time with their grandparents, well, we're just collateral damage.
A public-health specialist on CBC Radio One a few days ago even pointed out that Canada could allow the rapid tests, as they are easier and less expensive, less labour intensive wrt medical personnel administering them (because you can do it yourself), so we could have more tests done and people would test closer to when they re-enter Canada (so after more of their time in a different place, a more relevant time). Those benefits, he felt, override the few false negatives the rapid tests miss, esp as the only people allowed to travel anyway are fully vaxxed.
Sorry, just my weekly vent. Very glad to hear that people with mixed doses are being accepted as fully vaxxed.

Yep my sister lives in Florida and I’d love to fly down for a weekend and see her and the testing requirements still make prohibitively hard . I’ve seen my nephew one time since birth . But I’m going to celebrate tonight because it’s been almost two years of fear and uncertainty and defeat and now I get to plan a vacation AND see my family. I understand your concerns with testing and I hope that things are made easier for you soon.

 

[ottawamom]

I totally agree with your arguement about the testing requirement. I don't think it is based on scientific evidence any longer. My guess would be it will also disappear when the borders open.

 

[quandrea]

Just a friendly reminder that for some of us driving across the border is not about shopping or tourism, but about how we see our families. Those short trips are what was/is normal for me with parents that take less time to drive to than the far side of the GTA. So as long as the test requirement stands, I have to pay a $$$ tax for going to see my parents. The new rule that says the test no longer has to be done in the U.S., but instead can be done in Canada, as long as it is done 72 hours or less before I return, highlights the fact that it's a deterrent.
Walk through the ~logic:
If I test on Monday in Ontario, drive to my parents' house, and then return on Wednesday once I get my test results, what has the test proven? What public-health service has the test provided to Canada? Nothing. If I test negative, it was before I even reached the U.S., so who cares? If I test positive, it means I got Covid in Ontario, not the U.S.! So I don't believe public-health experts fear that short driving trips by vaxxed people, esp to go to a home, not a concert, mall, ball game, airport, or other large gathering of people, are a serious Covid threat. The government just wants to keep them to a minimum, and if my children get less time with their grandparents, well, we're just collateral damage.
A public-health specialist on CBC Radio One a few days ago even pointed out that Canada could allow the rapid tests, as they are easier and less expensive, less labour intensive wrt medical personnel administering them (because you can do it yourself), so we could have more tests done and people would test closer to when they re-enter Canada (so after more of their time in a different place, a more relevant time). Those benefits, he felt, override the few false negatives the rapid tests miss, esp as the only people allowed to travel anyway are fully vaxxed.
Sorry, just my weekly vent. Very glad to hear that people with mixed doses are being accepted as fully vaxxed.

Agree with all of this! Write to your federal and provincial representatives.

 

[alohamom]

If I test on Monday in Ontario, drive to my parents' house, and then return on Wednesday once I get my test results, what has the test proven? What public-health service has the test provided to Canada? Nothing. If I test negative, it was before I even reached the U.S., so who cares? If I test positive, it means I got Covid in Ontario, not the U.S.!

100% agree with you on this, it makes no sense what so ever!
We were talking about it over the dinner table and we were all kind of incredulous about exactly this point.
Ridiculous...

 

[damo]

.

Yep my sister lives in Florida and I’d love to fly down for a weekend and see her and the testing requirements still make prohibitively hard . I’ve seen my nephew one time since birth . But I’m going to celebrate tonight because it’s been almost two years of fear and uncertainty and defeat and now I get to plan a vacation AND see my family. I understand your concerns with testing and I hope that things are made easier for you soon.

And covid rates in Florida are dropping so nicely ...

http://ww11.doh.state.fl.us/comm/_p...gNZKZ1XZcphaWHhYhI4B_Aps4xpHuKAjg_Xk4GFog2HeU

 

[mevelandry]

This one ships to Canada and is a PCR tests and says you'd have the results in 24 to 48 hours. You do it yourself and is less than 120 USD.

https://www.adlhealth.com/air-canada/
Also if you're able to cross the border at anytime beforehand you can buy the rapid antigen tests in the states or ship them to a friend or family member and have them sent to.

Another alternative is to drive to Ontario and get the rapid antigen test at Shoppers or Costco for 40 or 15 dollars respectively. There are options and for people who really want to cruise they will get the needed tests.

I’ll look into the adlhealth test but for our next cruise we are travelling with seniors and this would be too complicated for them. But maybe the next one if necessary. Thanks for the tips.

We could not go to Ontario without adding extra costs (no car, no license) so it probably wouldn’t be worth it. At this point, I am hopeful that once tests are less necessary, costs will be reduced.

 

[pigletto]

And covid rates in Florida are dropping so nicely ...

http://ww11.doh.state.fl.us/comm/_p...gNZKZ1XZcphaWHhYhI4B_Aps4xpHuKAjg_Xk4GFog2HeU

And look at those vaccination rates !! That’s awesome !
You hear so much about things in the media when they are awful but now that it’s getting better it’s not much of a story anymore . I read the other day that Florida is now 44th in the country for daily positive rates. So it has improved immensely. I feel comfortable going but we will of course follow our comfort level for masking and indoor dining etc .

 

[damo]

And look at those vaccination rates !! That’s awesome !
You hear so much about things in the media when they are awful but now that it’s getting better it’s not much of a story anymore . I read the other day that Florida is now 44th in the country for daily positive rates. So it has improved immensely. I feel comfortable going but we will of course follow our comfort level for masking and indoor dining etc .

Exactly. You can't go down and just dismiss all of the safety protocols that we have ingrained here in Ontario.

And add onto those vaccination numbers, the number of those that have been infected and recovered over the past 6 months or so. That adds a couple of million and raises the vaccination rate quite a bit.

 

[motherof4]

We are planning on going November 12th, my sister is just in the process of moving to Tampa area in Florida from PA. We are planning on doing 4 days at Disney then helping my sister and her husband unpack I have not booked air yet as I was waiting on announcement from US opening land boarder. Has anyone thought of flying out of US? Just wondering what I would need and if I would need to test to fly out of US. It is all so confusing... Jut researching everything now, I will keep you all posted on or decisions and process, but thought I would ask in case anyone else has planned this way. Flights are way cheaper out of US.

 

[damo]

We are planning on going November 12th, my sister is just in the process of moving to Tampa area in Florida from PA. We are planning on doing 4 days at Disney then helping my sister and her husband unpack I have not booked air yet as I was waiting on announcement from US opening land boarder. Has anyone thought of flying out of US? Just wondering what I would need and if I would need to test to fly out of US. It is all so confusing... Jut researching everything now, I will keep you all posted on or decisions and process, but thought I would ask in case anyone else has planned this way. Flights are way cheaper out of US.

You don't need to test going to the US by car.

You will still need to test coming back to Canada whether you are going by air or car.