Bay Islands COVID-19 Testing Thread

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drrich2

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Location
Southwestern Kentucky
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Hi. With the recent CDC mandate that international travelers (including returning U.S. citizens) entering the U.S. on flights have a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding the flight, there've threads on dive destination responses, particularly Cozumel and Bonaire.

Roatan (e.g.: CocoView Resort, Anthony's Key Resort, Turquoise Bay Resort), Utila and Guanaja don't seem represented yet. So I did a little online checking... Please add content as more info. becomes available.

Anthony's Key Resort page:
United States Covid-19 Testing Entry Requirements
From that page as of Jan. 18th, 2021:

"COVID-19 Testing is Available Onsite at Anthony’s Key Resort
The Hyperbaric Chamber and Cornerstone Medical Center are conveniently located on the property of Anthony’s Key Resort. Refer to the letter V on the resort’s property map here.

  • The clinic’s laboratory offers SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests with same-day test results.
  • While staying at Anthony’s Key Resort, guests returning to the U.S. will be given scheduling priority for testing within three days of flight departure dates and times.
  • The cost of the test is USD 50.00
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I test positive?
The CDC states that you should self-isolate and delay travel if symptoms develop or a pre-departure test result is positive until you have recovered from COVID-19. Airlines must refuse to board anyone who does not provide a negative test result for COVID-19 or documentation of recovery. We are prepared to assist guests with accommodations (that we have on reserve) should the need arise.

Can I get the test done at Cornerstone Medical Center if I’m not a guest at Anthony’s Key Resort?
Yes, the clinic does Covid-19 testing regularly for the general public. Non-resort guests may book an appointment here."

I don't presently see testing options noted on the websites for CocoView Resort or Turquoise Bay Resort.

I don't know which op.s are popular in Utila; I don't presently see testing options noted on the website at Utila Dive Center, Utila Lodge Island Dive Resort or Alton's Dive Center. It's my understanding there aren't direct flights from Utila to the U.S., but unless you're planning a really long layover...

The Villa at Dunbar Rock in Guanaja has a page on Honduras entry requirements, and now it was content on requirements for re-entering the U.S. From that page:

"Testing Requirements for Reentry to the United States
The team at Villa on Dunbar Rock is fully prepared and capable of performing COVID testing in accordance with the newly released CDC requirements that require guests to have a negative COVID test prior to reentry into the United States.
The tests are readily available on the island. Our staff has continued to be tested weekly.
We are now prepared to administer both the Antigen and PCR tests prior to the guest's departure. Guests will be charged $15 for the test, which is being passed along at our cost."

Sounds good! What I don't see is what happens if you test positive...

Cabanas on Clark's Cay has a popup with link to a page almost exactly like Dunbar Rock's, except it says:

"Testing Requirements for Reentry to the United States
The team at Clark's Cay is fully prepared and capable of performing COVID testing in accordance with the newly released CDC requirements that require guests to have a negative COVID test prior to reentry into the United States.
The tests are readily available on the island. Our staff has continued to be tested weekly.
We are now prepared to administer both the Antigen and PCR tests prior to the guest's departure. Guests will be charged $15 for the test, which is being passed along at our cost."

I anticipate we'll see testing info. on CocoView Resort and Turquoise Bay Resort's websites soon, and looks like you can make an appointment to get tested at Anthony's Key Resort on Roatan, if need be.
 
Update: The Beach House Boutique Hotel on Roatan has a page that includes this blurb:

"There are a few different places to get the PCR test on island. You can expect to pay $200-$300 per test for a PCR test and should check with the respective clinic for appointments and so on. The UniMed clinic on island has the ability to send their doctors to your hotel or rental to administer the test.

The Rapid Antigen tests are also available on island and are 1500 lps (~$60 depending on the exchange rate) per test. Woods Medical Center is offering Rapid Antigen tests and we would recommend reaching out to them directly to get an idea of appointments and schedules."
 
The Roatan Travel group on FB has an updated list of testing facilities and prices for Roatan (and one each on Utila/Guanaja)... here's the most recent list, updated as of 01/18/2021 AM.

140187668_10217855993182529_4314481571177771730_n.jpg
 
The Roatan Travel group on FB has an updated list of testing facilities and prices for Roatan (and one each on Utila/Guanaja)... here's the most recent list, updated as of 01/18/2021 AM.

Thanks! That raises an important point I didn't realize; requirements for Canada may differ. And it seems like we've got some Canadian divers somewhere on the forum...
 
for Coco View....
Covid testing info for departing CCV guests returning to the US: Cocoview Resort has arranged to provide the required covid test to our guests at the resort. (You don't have to leave to get the test) Cost is $85. Sorry for the inconvenience and the additional cost. So Come on Down!


Pre-Payment for this test can be made via the stateside office.
dro@cocoviewresort.com Thank you!

IF I DO TEST POSITIVE....?

Thank you for the question. As this is all new ground for us as well, here is what we have in mind. Folks that test positive, and even after re-testing, can not board a US bound plane: We have Staff Housing units available where we believe we can quarantine our affected guests. Some beach houses on Playa Miguel may be available as well. CCV would be able to supply meals. Everyone understands this is a unique issue and we will do our best to always take care of our CCV family!
 
Lol I would be willing to bet that all COVID tests done on roatan prior to flight departure will be negative. Just saying. Unless you have flight insurance specificity for positive Covid, your out your your return flight. Could cost lots of $$$$$ to get a one way ticket back to America.
 
That's a good point...how will the airlines react? Even if you're a tad cynical about the nature of big businesses such as airlines, consider that cutting people off without a free or greatly reduced cost reschedule creates economic pressure to...somehow come up with a negative test result.

An airline willing to grant free same day cancellation and good rescheduling terms might reduce the perverse incentive for people to deliberately seek unreliable (except for a negative result) testing, or hide positive results (e.g.: get a different test to come back negative after the first was positive), and get on a flight, putting others at risk.

Of course, we might hope no traveler would ever do such a thing...but I'd like it if the airlines hedged all our bets a little, and removed some of those 'barriers' to good citizenship.
 
Let’s play devils advocate a little. Honduras doesn’t have the resources to Covid test their own citizens. So where do you think all these Covid tests are coming from. Probably black market sources or unreliable China counterfeit tests. Or just a plain Q-tip that comes back the next day as negative.
 
Let’s play devils advocate a little. Honduras doesn’t have the resources to Covid test their own citizens. So where do you think all these Covid tests are coming from. Probably black market sources or unreliable China counterfeit tests. Or just a plain Q-tip that comes back the next day as negative.

PCR test requires a proper lab with trained techs, if you don't have them, you have to outsource the actual lab work. You could outsource to China, but if you need a 3-day turnaround you might have a problem with shipping. I.e. you may have to return the Q-tip the next day as negative simply because there's no other way to meet the deadline.
 

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