FURIOUS AT LINKEDIN - OPEN LETTER

 After receiving dozens of messages and even emails like this below, I am demanding @LinkedIn to safeguard female members from this type of approach. Here is what I had to write to LinkedIn:

Hello, I am furious about these types of emails or messages I receive - and I want you to STOP IMMEDIATELY TO GIVE OR SELL MY EMAIL ADDRESS TO ANYONE !!!

See a sample of one of the emails I receive below.  Should this not stop I will report LinkedIn to the authorities and also to any and all media outlets !!!

I reported this kind of behavior of some male members already, and there were posts of other female members, complaining about this issue.  Nothing happens so far on LinkedIn's site...

As LinkedIn is responsible for the safety of its members - TAKE ACTION !!!
I am sure, these people are sending emails like this to many other female members.

Best regards,  Doris 

David Campbell <dacampbell0811@gmail.com>

Wed, Feb 9, 4:18 PM (3 days ago)

to me

Hello there, Thanks for accepting my request on LinkedIn. I was actually searching for an acquaintance when I came across your profile picture on LinkedIn. You have such an interesting profile picture on Linkedin and it caught my attention.I must confess you are pretty and this is me being honest and not just mere flattery. I hope no offence is taken, I understand Linkedin is a business networking and not a dating website. It will be nice to get to know each other and perhaps, become friends if only you are single and interested in communicating more and sharing more about me with you. I do believe everything is possible if we put our mind and heart together just like I believe that good things can be found in the least places. I will wait for your response.

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Successful Publishing - Newsletter February 2022

 

Hello Friends,

how was your first month of the year? An inspiring, successful, and happy January?

No matter if you are buried in snow, or already seeing spring flowers, you might be busy writing your next novel.  But what comes when you are finished?  Here are some tips on how you can promote it to readers - without spending any money:

- GET a FREE UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK

- CREATE IMPRESSIVE VIDEOS

- FINALLY… AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS

- FREELANCE WRITING

- WRITING CONTESTS & AWARDS

- RESIDENCY, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS

- BOOK REVIEWERS

GET a FREE UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK

for example: https://www.books2read.com/u/mZ5gdp

With Books2Read Universal Links, authors can share one easy link for a new book, and readers worldwide are able to find it at their preferred store. 

Even if you don’t distribute via Draft2Digital, you can use their FREE universal book linker: 

https://www.Books2read.com. It links your books to Amazon, Apple iBooks, Kobo, B&N Nook, Google Play, ScribD, 24Symbols, Thalia, Inktera, Smashwords, Baja LIbros, Playster, Blio, Bookmate, Browns Books for Students, Casa del Libro, Family Christian, Hive, Buch.de, BOL.de, DriveThruFiction, Indigo, Angus & Robertson, Bücher.de, FNAC, Hugendubel, Libris, Livraria Cultura, Mondadori, Rakuten, WHSmith, BOL.com, Eason, eBook.de, Gandhi.mx, LaFeltrinelli, Overdrive etc.

CREATE IMPRESSIVE VIDEOS

The Web – and the whole world – has gone video - and book trailers. And so are you! Online video is a huge phenomenon and an extraordinary channel of content marketing possibilities, perfect for reaching visitors, clients or readers. Where to List Your Video:

Social Media sharing sites like YouTube, AOL Video, and Yahoo Video allow users to upload videos directly. Did you upload your video/book trailer already to: Amazon, Vimeo, Patreon, Twitter, Goodreads, etc.? 

Excerpt From: ‘111 Tips to Create Impressive Videos’ where you will find all the direct links to these websites, plus insider tips and advice on how to monetize your videos.

https://www.books2read.com/u/3GYnpa

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BYDH41S/

FINALLY… AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS: 

AMAZON improves book descriptions. Who would have thought they will ever get around to do something for their suppliers (aka authors)? Here are the ‘breaking news’…

Bring your book descriptions to the next level

Amazon's new text editor provides options for formatting your book description and previewing it before publishing.

You can now bold, italicize, underline, create numbered and bulleted lists, and add heading styles to make your book description even more compelling for readers.  The new editor can be found on the book details page in your title setup.

A+ Content lets you add images, text, and tables to your detail page to help you:

Drive conversions. Readers have all they need in one place to make a buying decision.

Increase sales. Improve performance of Ads, Deals, and promotions with more visually engaging detail pages.

Build a customer base. Encourage repeat purchases by sharing more about you and your books.

Upgrade your detail pages with a new book description or A+ Content!

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FREELANCE WRITING

Texas Monthly

It’s a website and print magazine and home to original, deeply reported stories that illuminate every aspect of Texas life. Favorite topics include Texas politics and policy, business and entrepreneurship, the environment, energy, criminal justice, immigration, education, and race. They also include travel; fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities; food and drink; and arts and culture. We value great storytelling, humor, vivid characters, context, and perspective. Pays 50 cents/word for web and $1/word for print. 

https://www.texasmonthly.com/about/story-submissions/

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Chicken Soup for the Soul

Holiday Memories and Traditions:  The rituals of the holiday season give a rhythm to the years and create a foundation for our lives, as we gather with family, with our communities at church, at school, to share the special spirit of the season, brightening those long winter days. Please share your special stories about the holiday season with us. Limit 1,200 words. Pays $200 and 10 copies. Deadline May 30.  https://www.chickensoup.com/story-submissions/story-guidelines

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Down East

Everything they publish is directly related to the state of Maine — its culture, history, personalities, destinations, current events, and more.  Submissions can be sent to editorial@downeast.com or to our individual editors.  They prefer to receive pitches and submissions by email. Payment is between $.60/word and $.75/word, or $400 for ‘My Maine’ essays.  https://downeast.com/guidelines/

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Capital B

Capital B combines national investigative reporting, local civic journalism, and community engagement to deliver the news and information Black people need right now. Starting in Atlanta, Capital B will open newsrooms in Black communities across the country. Starting rate for the standard enterprise story is $450—higher for experienced reporters or longer features.  https://www.capitalbnews.org/

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Cosmopolitan

Looking for personal essays, reported pieces, and cultural criticism for the opinion section. Rates $250-$350 and can scale up depending on the scope and requirements of each piece. Ideal word count typically ranges between 600-900 words. Send an email to patrice.peck@hearst.com. In the subject line, write PITCH: [A Possible Headline For Your Piece]. Write two to three lines about you and your writing and include links to your portfolio and/or writing clips, your most recent and your best.  https://www.cosmopolitan.com/

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Bookfox 

seeking freelance writers to help fiction authors. You will write blog posts with advice about the writing life or craft of writing.  Payment is $200 – $400 per post, depending on length and research.  Posts range from 2,000 words to 4,000 words. 

https://thejohnfox.com/write-for-bookfox/

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WRITING CONTESTS & AWARDS

RBC Bronwen Wallace Award for Emerging Writers

Candidates must be: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident; Under the age of 35; Unpublished in book form and without a book contract. Genre: Poetry and fiction. Prizes: Up to C$10,000.  Deadline: Feb 14

https://www.writerstrust.com/awards/rbc-bronwen-wallace-award-for-emerging-writers/

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CAAPP Book Prize

Open to writers of African descent. Genre: First or second book by a writer of African descent and is open to the full range of writers embodying African and African diasporic experience. The book can be of any genre that is, or intersects with, poetry, including poetry, hybrid work, speculative prose, and/or translation. Prize: $3000 and publication. Deadline: Feb 15

https://www.autumnhouse.org/submissions/caapp-book-prize/

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Governor General's Literary Awards

Books must have been written or translated by Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. They do not need to be residing in Canada. Genre: The Governor General’s Literary Awards are given annually to the best English-language and the best French-language book in each of the seven categories of Fiction, Literary Non-fiction, Poetry, Drama, Young People’s Literature (Text), Young People’s Literature (Illustrated Books) and Translation (from French to English). 

Prize: $25,000. Deadline: February 15, 2022.

https://canadacouncil.ca/funding/prizes/governor-generals-literary-awards/guidelines-governor-generals-literary-awards

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RESIDENCY, GRANTS, FELLOWSHIPS

Alabama State Council on the Arts

Fellowships recognize Alabama’s artists and arts educators and provide support for the creative growth of an individual’s career. These $5,000 grants are awarded based on evaluation of work samples from the past five years that are submitted with the application. Applicants are required to have been a resident of Alabama for two years and remain a resident of the state for the duration of the fiscal year for which they are a grantee.

Deadline March 1

https://arts.alabama.gov/PDF/Guidelines/ASCA_GrantGuidelines_FY2023.pdf

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Jack Kerouac Residency - Florida

The Kerouac Project provides four residencies a year to writers of any stripe or age, living anywhere in the world. Each residency consists of approximately a three-month stay in the cottage where Jack Kerouac wrote his novel Dharma Bums. Utilities and a food stipend of $1,000 are included. 

https://www.kerouacproject.org/submissions/

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Here is a video to motivate your pleasure in writing by Jack Canfield, founder of the “Chicken Soup” series.  http://www.bestsellerblueprint.com/how-to-write-a-book/

Another great book to get ideas “How to Make More Money with Writing’’ might inspire you too: 

The Art of Making a Living Full-time Writing - An Essential Guide for More Income as Freelancer
https://books2read.com/u/bWZMjz

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1988664187

BOOK REVIEWERS

How do you do find the book reviewers to help you get the word out? Well, we’ve got some suggestions for you:

1. Do your research

Only contact reviewers who are interested in reviewing the type of books you have written. 

2. Read their review policy

Do they only want e-books or printed books? What genres are they currently interested in reading? Are they currently accepting new books for review? Check out their rules, and follow them.

3. Write a personalized email to the potential reviewer

No one likes to get a form letter or spam. Use a salutation, and their name – not just “Hi” or “Dear reviewer,” but rather, “Dear Jane Smith” or at least “Dear Jane.” If there’s no personal name listed, use their username. 

Read more:
https://www.emptymirrorbooks.com/publishing/10-ways-to-find-reviewers-for-your-self-published-book

Have a wonderful February and enjoy writing and making plans for new books. “Although February is short, it is filled with growing sun, lots of love, and sweet surprises”. Enjoy the many holidays this month: Groundhog Day, Super Bowl, Rosa Parks Day, Chinese New Year, Lincoln's Birthday, Valentine's Day, Presidents' Day.

Don’t forget to visit my Author Page here:

https://books2read.com/ap/n4EYY8/Doris-Maria-Heilmann

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Finally, Amazon Improves Book Descriptions

 

FINALLY… AFTER ALMOST 25 YEARS: 

AMAZON improves book descriptions. Who would have thought they will ever get around to do something for their suppliers (aka authors)? Here is the ‘breaking news’…

Bring your book descriptions to the next level:  Amazon's new text editor provides options for formatting your book description and previewing it before publishing.

You can now bold, italicize, underline, create numbered and bulleted lists, and add heading styles to make your book description even more compelling for readers.  The new editor can be found on the book details page in your title setup.

A+ Content lets you add images, text, and tables to your detail page to help you to drive conversions. Readers have all they need in one place to make a buying decision. Increase sales. Improve performance of ads, deals, and promotions with more visually engaging detail pages.

Build a customer base. Encourage repeat purchases by sharing more about you and your books.

Upgrade your detail pages with a new book description or A+ Content!  Yes, authors have to sit down and rewrite their book descriptions for all their books on Amazon. 

It's about time that Amazon got their act together and offers a professional code! What they offered in the last decades was sub-standard from the '80s or even older.

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Hedy Lamarr - so Much More Than a Beautiful Actress

 

Do you use GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi? Its basic technology was invented by a woman who died 22 years ago:  Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian-American actress and inventor who pioneered the technology that would one day form the basis for today’s WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems.  As a natural beauty seen widely on the big screen in films like Samson and Delilah and White Cargo, society has long ignored her inventive genius.  

Lamarr was originally Hedwig Eva Kiesler, born in Vienna, Austria on November 9th, 1914 into a well-to-do Jewish family.  An only child, Lamarr received a great deal of attention from her father, a bank director and curious man, who inspired her to look at the world with open eyes.  He would often take her for long walks where he would discuss the inner workings of different machines, like the printing press or streetcars.  These conversations guided Lamarr’s thinking and at only 5 years of age, she could be found taking apart and reassembling her music box to understand how the machine operated.  Meanwhile, Lamarr’s mother was a concert pianist and introduced her to the arts, placing her in both ballet and piano lessons from a young age. 

Learn about her inventions, for example, new wings for Howard Hughes' airplane.  Lamarr was indeed a genius as the gears in her inventive mind continued to turn. She once said, “Improving things comes naturally to me.”

Lamarr once insisted, “Any girl can be glamorous; all you have to do is stand still and look stupid.”  That she herself was anything but stupid was unequivocally proved during World War II when, in collaboration with the avant-garde composer George Antheil, she invented an electronic device that minimized the jamming of radio signals.  Though it was never used in wartime, this device is a component of present-day satellite and cellular phone technology.

Read the whole story here:  https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/hedy-lamarr

or here:

http://hedylamarr.com/about/biography/

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A Newcomer's Baja California Sur Impressions

Flora & Fauna
Arriving in the Baja California Sur (for the first time) in November, I was amazed by the number of yellow-blooming Palo de Arco, that bordered the country roads.  Such a fantastic, cheery shrub!  I collected lots of seeds, planting them all the way around the fence of the Tango Azul Resort.  Palo de Arco has been a staple in Mexican folk medicine for centuries and adopted for landscaping throughout Mexico, as well.  It thrives even in the hottest, sunniest locations in this arid climate.  Artisans in the Baja build wonderful fences and even walls from the sticks of Palo de Arco.

However, besides these attractive shrubs, I found dozens and dozens of other interesting plants, from low-growing sedums to majestic Neem or Palo Verde trees.  About 6,000 plants can be found in the Baja. Hundreds of them are endemic, growing only in this part of the world. 
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Sand, Sand, and more Sand
In Austria, or in Canada, I am always afraid to get stuck in the snow in Winter, having to call a truck to pull me out.  Here in Mexico, I am worried to be stuck in the sand when driving in the countryside.  But not only there, sometimes my tires don't find a hold on some parking spots away from the main roads.  One day I even heard the sand scratching at the underside of my car and feared every moment to be stranded far away from any civilization.  But thank goodness this hair-raising experience ended well.  A truck or a 4-wheel vehicle is your best bet here or an ATV.

In Baja California Sur, sand reigns from the waves of the Sea of Cortez up the hill to the mountain cliffs.  Next time, I will purchase a pair of cowboy boots. They seem to be the best outfit for sandy soils.  Texas or Mexican cowboys know why they wear them!

Cows and Goats
The melodic ringing of cowbells is something I grew up with - but hearing them in the Southern part of Baja California was surprising.  It felt like home in the European Alpes.  The ranches in the Baja are often so large that farmers cannot afford to fence the animals in and maintain the fences.  So cows and goats are often not confined to the ranches that are tucked into the hills but sometimes even are grazing in towns.  And crossing country roads without regard to the traffic around them! 

This is where it becomes dangerous. In Europe when a driver is flashing its light to the upcoming traffic, they warn you about speeding radar installations, but here in the Baja, they warn you of cows on or next to the road that could cross any moment.  Flashing the headlights might have saved already a lot of serious accidents.  There are lots of warning signs for cows on the road and drivers should take them seriously and adjust the speeds accordingly. 
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Cowboys 
I was surprised to see Mexican males often wearing the same outfit as I knew it from Western movies.  But it makes sense!  The cowboy hat shields from the sun, and the boots are the best footwear in this sandy environment. 

My friend Marcela calls those who speed in 30km-zones or generally are speeding and passing without regard to the oncoming traffic or guys who are kind of reckless also cowboys.  One needs to monitor carefully other drivers, as they may act erratically and some even drive without lights at night...  Better not to have an accident here.  Also there are lots of exclusions in the Mexican car insurance. 

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Water & Hot Spring
In rural areas of the Baja, municipal water and sewer services are not so common as we know them from city life.  Most houses have water tanks on the roof that are filled by water tank trucks.  Taking a shower, flushing the toilet, or watering the plants is fine with this water.  However, for drinking and cooking, using bottled water is the safest way.

Amazing that despite the arid climate and the lack of rain, there are quite a few springs - actually hot springs - just a ten-minute drive from La Ventana. Digging into the sand causes warm or even hot water that stems from former volcano activity.  Visiters built round pools in the past, using rocks, so "bath tubes" are ready to use them for free. 

Other hot springs, for example around Santiago (a 90-minute drive from La Ventana), lay on private ranch ground.   The owners charge between 150 and 300 Mexican pesos entrance fees - which is certainly not much, as they provide picnic areas, washrooms, and parking spaces, etc. 

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El Norte & Endless Beaches
La Ventana is ranked in the Top10 places in the world for kiteboarding and is famous for strong, consistent wind from November to April.  But not only kite-boarders are happy here, but surfers, stand-up paddlers, kayakers, and swimmers are also frequenting the beaches in town.  Just two miles out the sand is even more appealing, and guests have the next 10 - 15 kilometers for themselves.  A long walk, a mountain bike ride, or an ATV trip will bring you to unspoiled beaches - where the desert meets the sea.

Inexpensive Services
Marcela, the owner of the Tango Azul Resort, introduced me to Isabel, a laundry lady, and to her son, who offers car detailing.  After I received an offer from a detailing company in Ottawa three months earlier of 115 Canadian dollars, I could not believe what I was charged here for the same work: 150 Mexican pesos! Less than 10 dollars. I certainly gave him a tip. It looked brand new, as it had just come out of the shop.  I was so happy about my clean and shiny car.

The same surprise came up when I had to visit a dentist in La Paz.  One of the hotel guests told me about the "Dentista", a wonderful caring and gentle lady.  She did such a great job that I let her do more dental work.  All she charged me was only a third of what I would have paid in Canada, let alone the US.

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Lobster for the Poor! How this Crustacean Became a Decadent Fare

 

"Lobster shells in the home are regarded as a sign of poverty and degradation," wrote author John J. Rowan in 1876.  Due to the overpopulation of the crustacean on the coasts of the New England states, lobster was long considered frowned-upon junk food in the United States. 

No wealthy person wanted to be seen eating the "cockroach of the seas," especially when they had their own land animals to fall back on.  The mass-available protein source, on the other hand, was reserved for the poor, servants, prisoners, and slaves.  For a time, the American lobster was so cheap that it was sold in cans like tuna, and people even fed lobster to their cats.

Decadent Fare
How did it go from cat food to decadent gourmet fare?  By the introduction of American rail transportation in the mid-19th century, Lobster was served on trains across the country precisely because it was so inexpensive - but presented to passengers as a rare exotic food.

Domestic travelers were unfamiliar with lobster and acquired a taste for it in the travel situation. They simply did not know that it was "poor man's food."  It became such a popular product that demand caused the price to rise and supply to become scarce.  The sea roach became a luxury item and an elite mark of distinction.  At last, even the rich could afford to be poor.

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Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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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