Will they accept a DIY Home test for the covid virus ?

[RetiredRich]

So now that the pre cruise test is required will they accept the DIY home test.  If not what are the required approved type of test we are supposed to get.  We are due for the August 28 sailing out of Seattle.

[CruiserBruce]

Yes, if it meets the following. From the website:

 

All of our 2021 cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination and proof of a negative, medically observed viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 72 hours of their embarkation. For guests embarking in Europe, we are conducting mandatory COVID-19 antigen testing at the pier pursuant to the EU Healthy Gateways Protocols. This test will be complimentary, and a negative result will satisfy our new testing requirements.

 

 

[FOPMan]

I believe the key words above are “medically observed.” Where the test is taken does not seem to be a question.

 

 

[zelker]

I interpret that needing to be medically observed indicates they will not accept a DIY home test.

[seagarsmoker]

I am going to call HAL and see exactly "medically observed" means. It's $300 cheaper per test here for home kit and my wife is a RN. 

[syesmar]

8 minutes ago, seagarsmoker said:

I am going to call HAL and see exactly "medically observed" means....

It would be so helpful if HAL had these answers in print for passengers, as they already know them. They are going to be inundated with calls today and the next few days. Good luck and let us know what you find out!

[12cruise2]

Just now, syesmar said:

It would be so helpful if HAL had these answers in print for passengers, as they already know them. They are going to be inundated with calls today and the next few days. Good luck and let us know what you find out!

I'd be very careful re accepting a rep's word for what is required re testing--get it in writing for sure.

[1025cruise]

Carnival has said no to the at home tests. I would assume HAL will be the same.

[luvteaching]

Our tests are no cost to us and we can say "for travel". Also, check with your doctor's office. You may be able to get them there. 

Karen

[CruiserBruce]

Remember "medically observed" can include the Zoom session where the provider supervises the collection.

[silversneakers]

42 minutes ago, zelker said:

I interpret that needing to be medically observed indicates they will not accept a DIY home test.

You are right!

[squarepi]

We're scheduled to sail 9/4 and our pre-cruise schedule includes a 3-day stay with DD & SIL near Portland OR. Walgreens, in Oregon, will do both types of tests...AT NO CHARGE. We found that Portland airport has testing facilities but the cost ranges from $135-$335. The higher cost is for the 30 minute turnaround test. Needless to say, we are going to make appointments at Walgreens on the morning of 9/2. Turnaround times for Lab processing (In the PORTLAND area) are beginning to push results out from 1 day to 2-3.

[Tampa Girl]

49 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

Remember "medically observed" can include the Zoom session where the provider supervises the collection.

 

If you have to provide "proof" of medically observed, how do you do that from a Zoom session?

[57redbird]

1 hour ago, Tampa Girl said:

 

If you have to provide "proof" of medically observed, how do you do that from a Zoom session?

We did the Costco covid test before we went to Maui.  When you register your kit, you download your picture from your ID (drivers license, passport, etc.) - then when you do the Zoom part, they compare you to your picture - then somebody watches you spit into the tube (like Ancestry) & you mail it in.

[madera1]

8 minutes ago, 57redbird said:

We did the Costco covid test before we went to Maui.  When you register your kit, you download your picture from your ID (drivers license, passport, etc.) - then when you do the Zoom part, they compare you to your picture - then somebody watches you spit into the tube (like Ancestry) & you mail it in.

How long did it take to receive your results?

[57redbird]

7 minutes ago, madera1 said:

How long did it take to receive your results?

We're in western Washington State --- kit overnight air to Georgia -- didn't get results back in time so went to our local Kaiser & got results within about 6 hours so considering you're in Calif. you might have the same problem.

Edited August 5, 2021 by 57redbird
correction

[madera1]

I just emailed my Kaiser doctor 

[CruiserBruce]

2 hours ago, Tampa Girl said:

 

If you have to provide "proof" of medically observed, how do you do that from a Zoom session?

The lab attests to observing you taking the test. As others have mentioned, Hawaii and several countries accept these tests.

[BJzink]

On 8/5/2021 at 7:44 AM, luvteaching said:

Our tests are no cost to us and we can say "for travel". Also, check with your doctor's office. You may be able to get them there. 

Karen

You could also check with your local Health Department.

[CruiseMGM]

Lots of new info on the FAQ's here:

Health Protocols & FAQs | Holland America Line Cruises

 

Including the following asking "is a self test acceptable?"

Vaccinated guests may use a medically observed self-test (sometimes referred to as home test) that meets the following criteria: 

 The test must be a SARS-CoV-2 viral test (nucleic acid amplification test [NAAT] or antigen test) with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Please note, antigen tests are accepted for fully vaccinated guests, but not for unvaccinated guests. 

The testing procedure must include a telehealth service affiliated with the manufacturer of the test that provides real-time supervision remotely through an audio and video connection. Some FDA-authorized self-tests that include a telehealth service may require a prescription. 

The telehealth provider must confirm the person’s identity, observe the specimen collection and testing procedures, confirm the test result, and issue a report that meets the requirements of acceptable proof of a negative COVID-19 test

[seaoma]

Here's a video of one of the tests. Does anyone else think this will suffice?

 

https://thepointsguy.com/news/abbott-at-home-covid-test/

 

I also think one of the big box stores sells one. 

 

 

[atexsix]

4 minutes ago, seaoma said:

Here's a video of one of the tests. Does anyone else think this will suffice?

 

https://thepointsguy.com/news/abbott-at-home-covid-test/

 

I also think one of the big box stores sells one. 

 

 

This would be a game changer if people can use this.

[atexsix]

 

2 minutes ago, atexsix said:

This would be a game changer if people can use this.

However, Labcorp states 1 to 2 days for results, that might not be acceptable to some people.  I think we'll stick with the rapid tests.

[atexsix]

They are finally supplying us with links for testing locations downtown.

[seaoma]

8 minutes ago, atexsix said:

They are finally supplying us with links for testing locations downtown.

 

That's the game changer!!!! 

 

My only issue is not having a car while we are there. I read Uber/Taxi's may not be willing to pick you up and take you for a test, especially for a drive through.