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COVID testing for US return - Marriott properties Aruba

pierrepierre

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Today on the news Aruba, Mexico and Costa Rico were mentioned as code Orange there, and to be careful traveling to those destinations. Glad to hear the resort is helping with the testing!
 

gln60

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This is a nice letter on how the Marriott on Aruba is helping us get home to the US.
My daughter and boyfriend will be vacationing at the Surf Club the first week of March and yesterday booked their Covid test that is needed before returning to the U.S.
 

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We will be at the surf club on Sat so will up date the process. There is a clinic in the shopping center that is offering antigen tests on a walk in basis as well so I do not think it will be a problem.
Just a reminder that your daughter and boyfriend need to go on to the aruba ED Card website and complete that task before departing for Aruba. Aruba is more strict and requires a molectular test before entry or a test on arrival and quarantine until test results are returned.
 

gln60

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We will be at the surf club on Sat so will up date the process. There is a clinic in the shopping center that is offering antigen tests on a walk in basis as well so I do not think it will be a problem.
Just a reminder that your daughter and boyfriend need to go on to the aruba ED Card website and complete that task before departing for Aruba. Aruba is more strict and requires a molectular test before entry or a test on arrival and quarantine until test results are returned.
Hi..my daughter has everything all set..she has been planning this trip for the last year...we gifted her the week for her birthday,last April,which of course had to be cancelled..booked the week for late October which also needed to be cancelled..so is very excited about this upcoming trip..I believe she frequents an Aruba site where there are Aruba citizens as well as U.S.travelers that keep each other updated almost daily on the process..thasks for the info and I look forward to your update...enjoy the Surf Club and the stunningly beautiful Aruba beaches...it’s our favorite Caribbean destination.
 
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klkaylor

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It was a difficult arrival at AUA yesterday. The system they are using to confirm a negative Covid test upon arrival is now inconsistent. We spent an hour in line with the entry paperwork being looked at three times. We had to show a paper copy of the green check/barcode immigration form and our covid test and we’re then given a blue “cleared” card. Proceeded down to passport control and was again asked for our covid test results. People were fumbling with phones hard copies with most being told their test was not good and their card taken back. We had hard copies of or test type, results,date, name, and passport number. This was not acceptable as it did not have a “sticker” from the lab. Not sure how that is possible given the results are emailed. We then got our bags and stood in another line and we had to bring up the email from the company that did our test. Take home - test acceptance is now random in Aruba. Have the email and a hard copy of the results. We had the Abbott ID NOW test done and accepted by United.
Return testing is not as stated in the Marriott provided letter-attached above. The only testing at the surf club is PCR -at twice the cost -and not required by us. US is accepting antigen tests as well per CDC. The surf club management is nice but clueless and uncaring. We are here and will figure it out but would rethink a trip to Aruba at this time.
 

GrayFal

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It was a difficult arrival at AUA yesterday. The system they are using to confirm a negative Covid test upon arrival is now inconsistent. We spent an hour in line with the entry paperwork being looked at three times. We had to show a paper copy of the green check/barcode immigration form and our covid test and we’re then given a blue “cleared” card. Proceeded down to passport control and was again asked for our covid test results. People were fumbling with phones hard copies with most being told their test was not good and their card taken back. We had hard copies of or test type, results,date, name, and passport number. This was not acceptable as it did not have a “sticker” from the lab. Not sure how that is possible given the results are emailed. We then got our bags and stood in another line and we had to bring up the email from the company that did our test. Take home - test acceptance is now random in Aruba. Have the email and a hard copy of the results. We had the Abbott ID NOW test done and accepted by United.
Return testing is not as stated in the Marriott provided letter-attached above. The only testing at the surf club is PCR -at twice the cost -and not required by us. US is accepting antigen tests as well per CDC. The surf club management is nice but clueless and uncaring. We are here and will figure it out but would rethink a trip to Aruba at this time.
I am sorry you had such a hard time.

We arrived December 27 without incident
The “glitch” seems to be that starting around 2/1/21 aruba wanted the test results to say it is a nasal swab ( not a throat swab) and the US labs are not printing that information on the lab reports. They do accept the Vault test. We are returning in April and staying at the Ocean Club and hoping they have worked this all out and the US labs start to list where the specimen is from.

We left La Cabana 2/6 (required testing started 1/26) and while we had made an appt at the hospital for COVID testing for $75, we decided to do the test at the resort for $115 (they started 2/2) $115 as it was easier. They did not offer the cheaper antigen test at that time. The hospital had long lines with waits of more than an hour. I can’t open your attachment above to read about the Marriott but I know satellite clinics have popped up where testing is now done. I read on Facebook you can go to the mall across from holiday Inn and we had friends test at the lab ( walk in) that is next to the Marriott Courtyard for $75.

Thank you for the information; I hope you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Edit. Link to testing sites https://www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements/covid-test-in-aruba
 
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Luvtoride

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Kl and Gray,
Thank you for the detailed comments and issues concerning testing for entering and leaving Aruba. I’m sorry it sounds like such a hassle. I will continue to monitor your comments and other sources (I have a colleague from NY who is WFH in Aruba for most of the past 7 months).
KL, keep us posted and I hope you can enjoy your trip now.
Brian


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

klkaylor

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A few new notes on the increased scrutiny of the covid paperwork. You should try to insure the test report shows the location of the sample. Aruba wants a nasal swab. I would recommend having both a paper copy of your results and keep and have available in electronic format - the email from the testing site and or the ability log onto the portal where you can show the report. Another nugget is that there is a free internet site at the airport that you can log onto to help download data.
On the Marriott side I went to the lab at the surf club and confirmed that they will do antigen test for reenrty to the USA. Their web site www.pcraruba.com is the portal to schedule your test. It only offers a PCR test. They said to just schedule a PCR test and then when you go to the apt just ask for and pay for the antigen test. PCR tests are $100 and Antigen test only $40. Antigen have a slightly higher false positive but are quicker and cheaper and at the present time accepted by US immigration. My personal opinion is that by only offering the PCR test that is what people just accept thereby making more money. Marriott should look into this practice. We are going to use a clinic in the Cove shopping area for our return antigen test and report back how it worked out.
 

GrayFal

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A few new notes on the increased scrutiny of the covid paperwork. You should try to insure the test report shows the location of the sample. Aruba wants a nasal swab. I would recommend having both a paper copy of your results and keep and have available in electronic format - the email from the testing site and or the ability log onto the portal where you can show the report. Another nugget is that there is a free internet site at the airport that you can log onto to help download data.
On the Marriott side I went to the lab at the surf club and confirmed that they will do antigen test for reenrty to the USA. Their web site www.pcraruba.com is the portal to schedule your test. It only offers a PCR test. They said to just schedule a PCR test and then when you go to the apt just ask for and pay for the antigen test. PCR tests are $100 and Antigen test only $40. Antigen have a slightly higher false positive but are quicker and cheaper and at the present time accepted by US immigration. My personal opinion is that by only offering the PCR test that is what people just accept thereby making more money. Marriott should look into this practice. We are going to use a clinic in the Cove shopping area for our return antigen test and report back how it worked out.
Thx for the update. I am interested in the Cove Mall site as well.
 

m61376

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an issue to consider is the incidence of false positives with antigen tests. There is a whole discussion on this on the Aruba Surf Club group on FB. The question is whether saving $60 is worth the risk of a false positive and being quarantined. What hasn’t been clear is if you get a positive antigen test and retest and get a negative per, but someone posted they still had to quarantine.
I’m not sure if this was true or not, but definitely something to consider.
I’d love to return so I’ve been following anecdotal posts but I’m a bit too risk adverse for now. Although with both of us being fully vaccinated definitely anxious to start doing motor.
 

klkaylor

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The false positive rate is but with the incidence of the disease it creates a bad positive predictive rate. My understanding that a positive test will get you quarantined. PCR is then used as the diagnostic test. Antigen test is not diagnostic due to crossreactivity. If the PCR is neg you are neg. if positive you are in the 14 day quarantine. My plan is do the antigen test at 72 hrs so that if positive I can then do a PCR. The antigen test takes less than 20 min. I do think your point is important. Bet 40 to save 60 but may just cost you time and another $100.
 

m61376

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The false positive rate is but with the incidence of the disease it creates a bad positive predictive rate. My understanding that a positive test will get you quarantined. PCR is then used as the diagnostic test. Antigen test is not diagnostic due to crossreactivity. If the PCR is neg you are neg. if positive you are in the 14 day quarantine. My plan is do the antigen test at 72 hrs so that if positive I can then do a PCR. The antigen test takes less than 20 min. I do think your point is important. Bet 40 to save 60 but may just cost you time and another $100.
Someone had reported that even though they had a negative subsequent pcr they still had to quarantine for 10 days due to the positive antigen test. Of course you always need to take what a stranger posts with a grain of salt; just mentioning it because it’s something I’d like clarified before making a decision as to which test. Obviously from a medical perspective you’re totally correct, but it’s their official policy that counts.
 

klkaylor

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This is the wording from the Aruba site on positive tests. After reviewing the site it is clear that they are solely focused on molecular test results. Antigen and antibody test are not accepted for entry and not used for symptomatic testing. Antigen testing was added just for USA returns. Scientifically your report above is not consistent but as there have been changes to the scrutiny that entry test are now being given your point is an open question. Can to provide the source of the report you reference? Source document review is important as covid test terminology has been inconsistent. Thanks for your input
  • Positive cases showing symptoms are required to stay in isolation for 10 days. Asymptomatic positive cases are required to stay in isolation for 7 days.

  • I just reviewed the US testing site and to my best reading the quarantine based on a positive return test is up to the county you are in.
 
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louisianab

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Package insert for Abbot ID Now states that it is most accurate within 7 days of symptoms. For myself, I wouldn't rely on it alone for asymptomatic travel testing. Nasopharyngeal PCR is the best for accurate results. (I've run more than 1000 ID now tests in the past year. Same number or higher of various pcr brands. Abbot also has weird collection rules that make it likely to have an false pos or neg)
 

klkaylor

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Each test has a sensitivity and specificity which when combined with prevalence one can compute a positive predictive value along with lot of technical issues to insure accurate results.
That being said your personal opinion may be helpful for completing a diagnostic dilemma decision tree, but this is more about government requirements for political asymptomatic screening. As ID NOW is accepted in Aruba then your personal opinion on the test on its diagnostic positive predictive value is irrelevant for either travel to Aruba or from Aruba back to the US.
 
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I’m not clear on how close the properties are in Aruba, but I read on a pilot wives board that the Renaissance (Marriott) has a testing site at their conference center with walk in appointments (I think my husband said 9 am to Noon) but have the surf club desk confirm. Results guaranteed in 24 hours, as the lay overs are the same. There’s an amazing Dutch pancake house across the street with crepes and fresh orange juice. Or try the place in the Marriott for a burger. A little side trip for your Covid test? There is also a casino very close and my downfall a Lilly Pulitzer store. You could bump into my husband who is there twice a week.

I just asked him and he said that a taxi ride from the Surf club would be $15 (ish).

He also had an interesting piece of info that probably doesn’t matter to non-airline folks, bit a test result from within 72 hours in the US can get you into Aruba for a 24 hour layover and back into the US on the same test.
 

klkaylor

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The four Marriott properties- Surf, Ocean, Stelaeis, and Ritz are side by side on Palm Beach. Renaissance is downtown Orangestadt about 15km away. Friends just got there return antigen test done at Medicare at the Cove mall for $40 and results back in 9 hrs. Easy walk from all four palm beach properties.
As I stated before the clinic set up at the surf clubs offers both PCR and antigen tests but “makes” you chose the more expensive and unnecessary PCR to get an appointment. Disingenuous money grab in my opinion so I’m going to cove clinic.
 

Squan66

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The false positive rate is but with the incidence of the disease it creates a bad positive predictive rate. My understanding that a positive test will get you quarantined. PCR is then used as the diagnostic test. Antigen test is not diagnostic due to crossreactivity. If the PCR is neg you are neg. if positive you are in the 14 day quarantine. My plan is do the antigen test at 72 hrs so that if positive I can then do a PCR. The antigen test takes less than 20 min. I do think your point is important. Bet 40 to save 60 but may just cost you time and another $100.
Just came back from Aruba. We were there for almost 4 weeks. We brought antigen (blood) tests with us. Simple figure prick. We wanted to control our destiny BEFORE our CDC testing performed by the Aruba lab. We chose to have the lab come to our hotel room and perform the PCR COVID test for return to the US. It was pricey. $370 for 2.
$125 per test + $120 for the in room COVID test.

please note the cost to travel to Aruba is much lower these days. Our flights were $258 roundtrip. We stayed in Reward points/DC Points and an Interval getaway. I felt Aruba was a great value even with the cost of testing.
FYI they really are being random about testing on arrival. We had zero issues when we arrived on 1/28. We used the Vault test.
our friends used the Abbott ID now test. 5 of them tested on the same day together. At the airport they were split up in separate lines. 2 passed all 3 check points. The other 3 made it all the way to the last check point and were told they had to retest. Cost $75 and they lost their first night to quarantine in their room.
I would make sure your test says Nasal or use the Vault test which was accepted without issue.
 

klkaylor

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Squan 66 be advised that you did not have an antigen test blood tests are for antibodies. No blood tests work for Aruba entry. In my initial review vault home test was only good for jet blue but now appears to be good for everyone. We are going to get antigen test monday or Tuesday from med clinic for return.
Looks like from reading the recently updated entry test requirement site there must have been a run on fake ID NOW tests as they have added some restriction rule that are a must read.
 

silentg

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If you are fully vaccinated, do you still need to get a Covid test? Will they soon accept vaccination certificate?
 

m61376

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If you are fully vaccinated, do you still need to get a Covid test? Will they soon accept vaccination certificate?
no
 

Luvtoride

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KL, can you comment on the numbers of tourists and “crowding” on the beaches, pools (surf club) and restaurants in Aruba? Where are people wearing and not wearing masks? Did you rent a car or are you taking taxis?
We are arriving 4 weeks from today and realize things could change in that time. We are renting a car for this trip for the 1st time.

The husband of couple we are traveling with is a doctor in a NJ hospital and gets tested for COVID on a regular basis. Our families have weighed the pros and cons of traveling outside the country at this time and feel with the proper precautions it is a good time (and Aruba a good place) to travel. Fortunately, we have all been vaccinated (my wife is a nurse who is now administering Vax shots) which although is not a guarantee at least assures us we have done as much as we can to protect ourselves.

I appreciate any updates you provide. Enjoy your vacation.
Brian
 
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