Sunday, December 26, 2021

PCR Test Sites Before Entering the US or Canada

 



Flying From Mexico to the United States

US-Regulations state: "Regardless of vaccination status or nationality, any individual age 2 and older coming to the United States must show a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board their flight to the United States".  You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight. 

Affordable and rapid tests are available in healthcare centers, pharmacies, and laboratories.  Remember that only PCR and antigen tests are accepted.  Present an attestation indicating that you have received a negative COVID-19 test or that you have recovered from the disease and are cleared for travel.

Locations, prices (usually between $450 MXN and $579 MXN, and times of COVID-19 tests are available at the following airports in Mexico:

https://cms.volaris.com/en/travel-info/covid-19-testing-for-passengers/

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More Testing Sites in Mexico:

Azova Labortatories offer PCR, Rapid PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests.  Here are the locations, prices and times:  https://www.azova.com/mexico/

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Non-citizen travelers (e.g. Canadians) entering the United States via land border and ferry terminal ports of entry will be permitted to enter for a non-essential reason (i.e., tourism), provided they are fully vaccinated and can present proof of COVID-19 vaccination status. See all the info of the US Embassy in Mexico:

https://mx.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-for-u-s-citizens-in-mexico/


I found this offer at a gas station in Texas

COVID-19 Vaccinated Travelers Entering Canada

Pre-entry testing and ArriveCAN requirements can be found in detail on this website:

https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada


Where You Can Get a FREE PCR Test in the US:
Save lots of money when using the free PCR tests that some drugstores offer.  However check their websites, locations, and make appointments in time.  See how much you can save - compared to other PCR testing site offers. No matter if you drive or fly, you need to get a PCR Test to pass through the border. COVID-19 vaccinated travelers entering Canada - Pre-entry testing and ArriveCAN requirements.  All information as of December 26, 2021.

Rite Aid Opened no-charge COVID-19 testing capabilities and is expanding its no-charge COVID-19 testing capabilities with 317 additional drive-through testing site locations.

Like Rite Aid's existing testing sites, the new locations will utilize PCR, simple self-swab nasal tests overseen by Rite Aid pharmacists.  Each site will operate Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with testing only available through the chain's drive-through windows to ensure the safety of customers seeking other services in-store.

https://investors.riteaid.com/news/news-details/2021/Rite-Aid-Opens-More-Than-300-New-No-Charge-COVID-19-Testing-Sites-2021-2-4/default.aspx
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Walgreens offers FREE* drive-thru COVID-19 testing for ages 3+ as well as convenient at-home test kits for purchase in-store and online.  Appointments are available for up to 7 days in advance.  Online booking only. In a statement, Walgreens COVID-19 testing is free at all of its drive-thrus. 
https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-testing.jsp

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COVID-19 Testing at No Cost to You at Quest Diagnostics

Check to see if you're eligible for this COVID-19 testing program at no cost to you when billed to your insurance or the government.  Same-day appointments are often available.  Their test can detect COVID-19 regardless of strain, including the Omicron variant.   Those experiencing symptoms may request a COVID-19 and Flu Test.  The free COVID-19 and Flu Test is only available if you are experiencing COVID-19 and/or flu symptoms.  Answer a few questions to see if you're eligible.  Book an appointment and receive an email with your appointment details.

https://patient.questdiagnostics.com/no-cost-covid-test

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For free Covid tests in California and locations check these sites:  

https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-testing

https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-testing#bycity
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Walmart Pharmacy Drive-Thru Locations

Located at select Walmart’s through the Pharmacy Drive-Thru window.  You will need a prescription request from your doctor or qualify per the CDC guidelines to get an observed self-collection COVID-19 test at one of these locations.  You may also get a COVID-19 test if you have a special request from your health plan.  Please contact your doctor or health plan for more information.

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Free COVID-19 Testing at Drugstores:

If you’re in a location without many COVID-19 testing sites, you may want to head to your independent neighborhood drugstore.

You will notice several major chains on the list of where to get a COVID-19 test, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.  All of these often offer PCR testing at no additional cost if using insurance or if you fall under some federal programs for those without insurance.  However, at CVS, “testing is not available to customers or patients who are located outside of the United States or U.S. territories.”

Passport Health also has a network of clinics in over 100 locations nationwide, primarily for people who need a negative PCR test to fly or return to school.   Even better, you can make these appointments online, which may save precious time instead of waiting in a long line.  Many of these locations also offer drive-up testing, where you swab yourself and don’t need to leave your vehicle.
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Turnaround Times can Vary by Chain and Location:

  • Walgreens: Turnaround time is based on when the sample arrives at the laboratory. Walgreens offers FREE* drive-thru COVID-19 testing for ages 3+ as well as convenient at-home test kits for purchase in-store and online.  Appointments are available for up to 7 days in advance.  Online booking only. In a statement, Walgreens COVID-19 testing is free at all of its drive-thrus.    https://www.walgreens.com/topic/promotion/covid-testing.jsp


  • Rite Aid: Turnaround time varies between 125 minutes to two to five days. Rite Aid Opened no-charge COVID-19 testing capabilities.  Expanding its no-charge COVID-19 testing capabilities with 317 additional drive-through testing site locations.  Like Rite Aid's existing testing sites, the new locations will utilize PCR, simple self-swab nasal tests overseen by Rite Aid pharmacists. Each site will operate Monday through Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., with testing only available through the chain's drive-through windows to ensure the safety of customers seeking other services in-store.

  • CVS: Average turnaround time for receiving results from lab tests is one to two days for PCR tests. However, CVS charges $139, which includes $100 for the independent laboratory that processes your test and $39 for your MinuteClinic visit.

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PCR tests generally take around 72 hours for results, some urgent care facilities have introduced “rapid PCR tests,” where you can receive your results as fast as 30 minutes.  If you’re looking for a faster way to get a PCR test, it may cost you as these facilities may not accept insurance.  Some testing sites deliver results over the phone, which likely won’t be suitable for boarding an aircraft or entering a country.  Insist on getting it by email.

Rapid PCR Testing Options (charging) Include:

  • COVIDCheck in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Denver.  Results in six hours for RT-PCR tests.  Cost: $349
  • Complete Health Partners in Nashville, Tennessee. Results in 30 to 45 minutes. Cost: $250, not billed to insurance.
  • DMCovid-19 Test offers travel PCR testing by housecall nationwide in all states except Alaska and Hawaii.  It also has nine physical locations.  Cost: Price varies by location and whether it’s in-home or in the office.
  • Elite Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Results in 24 hours. Cost: $250
  • Frontage Laboratory in Exton, Pennsylvania (35 minutes from Philadelphia).  Offers COVID-19 tests for travelers within six hours.  Cost: $203 for an RT-PCR test.
  • Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City, New York.  Same-day results.  Cost: $175 for the test, which doesn’t include doctor consultation.
  • Saguaro Bloom in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Offers 24-hour and 90-minute turnaround for RT-PCR testing.  Cost: $299 for 90-minute turnaround and $149 for 24-hour turnaround.
  • Test Well in Reno, Nevada, and South Lake Tahoe, California. Offers RT-PCR tests for travel with guaranteed same-day results. T he cost is $149 for travel purposes (but you can file a claim with your insurance for reimbursement).
  • Urgent Medical Care and MRI in Jersey City, New Jersey.  Results in an hour or less only for travelers who need documentation.  Cost: $300 out of pocket, not billed to insurance.
  • Venistat Mobile Labs in New York, New York.  Offers RT-PCR test results in less than 24 hours. Cost: $125 when using insurance, $190 without insurance.
  • WeTestU in San Diego, California. Offers mobile RT-PCR testing for travel.  Cost: $159 for 24-hour turnaround, $199 for 24-hour turnaround, $259 for same-day (eight hour) turnaround, $329 for one-hour turnaround.
  • Worksite Labs offers PCR test results guaranteed within 24 hours near 20 U.S. airports. Cost: $90. See the locations here:   https://worksitelabs.com/locations/


Stay safe, wear your mask, get a booster vaccination, and keep your social distance! 


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