TESTING
2021-01-09
Some say I am a negative Person
When I called my hotel in Hawaii about some details, I mentioned that I was using them in part because if I don't have my covid test results in time that I would quarantine there. They told me that I would not be allowed on the plane without negative results, and they would not let me check in either. This did not match their web site, and I double checked again. I instant messaged with the airline, and was told that I would NOT be allowed on the plane, and then they cut and pasted the page that said I WOULD be allowed on the plane, as long as I didn't have a Positive result. So even what they cut and pasted did not jibe with what they were telling me.
When I set up the flight, there were very few choices for the specific type of Rapid PCR test that was required. The only APPROVED local sources that seemed to have any chance of giving me a result in time were Walgreens..... In Rhode Island or in Connecticut. They only schedule tests a few days out, and if they did not have an opening I would be screwed. I chose the mail-in test through Vault. For this test, you do a zoom call with the doctor and he watches you unwrap the package, do a saliva sample and package it up. Then you mail this in using the express UPS label provided. You are supposed to get the results within 24 hours from the time it gets to the lab. By my estimates, that would mean some time on Saturday, IF all goes well. I fly out on Sunday morning. Not much cushion, especially considering some of the issues with UPS lately.
It took some searching but I found on Hawaii's site, a new option for an express clinic in Massachusetts that does the quick PCR test. They schedule out about a week and seem to have plenty of openings if you are flexible, so I had a chance of getting into one of those locations in time.
Then I found out that Hawaii Airlines added a new option. You can now schedule a test well in advance at the Boston Airport using Xprescheck.com. This is the Rapid Molecular COVID Test that is allowed by Hawaii. Results are supposed to be available in 30 minutes. I decided to take this one and use the mail in test if this one did not work out as stated.
I got to the airport about 40 minutes early. They took me right away, and 30 minutes later I had my negative results. And a few new friends that will be on the same plane to Hawaii.
I don't want to jinx anything, but it looks like Hawaii is a go.
