Changing Covid testing requirements

[DandyDon]

Problem is that no one is really testing any more.

Free self-tests are out, I think with instructions to notify of results, but few will bother notifying.

 

[waterone]

So real numbers are undercounted.

That is the way it has been since the start, and most have known this. You can be assured that with how easily it spreads, how large of the population that it goes unnoticed (or with very mild symptoms) and that large percent that just won't get tested, that reported numbers are most likely Insanely less than actual numbers of cases.

Given the case count increase, I doubt that the CDC will make any changes to their advisory and will simply continue with the theatrical testing regimen. I hope that I'm wrong.

Most likely will continue, just need the popcorn.

 

[Manatee Diver]

That is the way it has been since the start, and most have known this. You can be assured that with how easily it spreads, how large of the population that it goes unnoticed (or with very mild symptoms) and that large percent that just won't get tested, that reported numbers are most likely Insanely less than actual numbers of cases.

Honestly we've reached the point that it is endemic and the current strains are fairly mild particularly for the vaccinated, the only numbers we should really care about are hospitalizations and deaths.

I am pretty sure I got Omicron, I couldn't get tested because all the scheduled testing was a week out. And I wasn't going to wait 3 hours in line for the non-scheduled testing. So I figured I would stay home order some Uber Eats, use some OTC meds to control the symptoms while sleeping, and if I was still sick in a week then I would worry about it. Which is pretty much how I treat a flu or a cold.

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

Please resist the temptation to carry on a debate over the value of testing. There is a forum for that. Moderating this thread is taking a lot of (volunteer) Moderator manpower. Let's try to keep this thread as a resource for those flying to and from Coz. Thanks!

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[Ontwreckdiver]

Thats nice and how I think it should be for all. Still fingers crossed for my summer travel plans to be done with the testing.

Do you think that it is directly related to the mandatory vaccinations for air travel or just more of a timing thing?

Do they make you jump through any other hoops for travel?

The mask mandate was a provincial government thing but businesses are still free to require you wear a mask. The travel companies and airlines were pressuring the federal government to end the testing. They do "random" testing at the airport after you arrive back in Canada.

 

[tridacna]

The mask mandate was a provincial government thing but businesses are still free to require you wear a mask. The travel companies and airlines were pressuring the federal government to end the testing. They do "random" testing at the airport after you arrive back in Canada.

Is Canada a province of Cozumel?

 

[cvchief]

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/us/covid-cases.html

Check again. Cases are 3% higher over the last 14 days. Problem is that no one is really testing any more. (Except to travel to certain countries and to re-enter the USA!). So real numbers are undercounted. Good news is that deaths and hospitalizations are dropping. That's even better news for the vaccinated and previously infected.

Given the case count increase, I doubt that the CDC will make any changes to their advisory and will simply continue with the theatrical testing regimen. I hope that I'm wrong.

Darn you paywall!!

That chart I posted was sourced from the gray lady on google.

If you look at 2 weeks, its not obvious...

And with the change in three months, it would seem it would need to be more than 3% of the current rate to mean anything. I mean its relative right? 3% of small is really small.

Like the 7 day moving average today is 6% of the 7 day moving average on January 15th.

And Gun I agree something could happen and we might have to do something, but I think its a waste to SAY that now. Just makes everyone angry.

Anyway, I wouldnt object to flying maskless sunday and not taking a test at International this trip.

 

[ReefHound]

I think discussion of case numbers is within the thread scope as it plays strongly into whether or not we can expect covid requirements to change. A 3% change is trivial, in my opinion. And do we know if it's a trend higher or a brief surge, perhaps because spring breaks started last month?

 

[tursiops]

Lot of angst/speculation about a single data point! The problem is, exponential growth starts small...so small does not mean no possible problem. It will be the next data point or two that may tell the shape of the curve...and if it is exponential, then waiting to react is exacerbating the problem.

 

[tridacna]

I’m flying to Coz on the 19th. Mask mandate on airlines expires on the 18th. Could care less about that. I’d like the Ag test theater to stop. Never going to happen. I think that we’re stuck with it for several more months. I hope I’m wrong.

 

[cvchief]

I dunno. With The feds letting Title 42 expire, it seems like a theme. Maybe we will see some relaxing during this trip.

Its going to KILL the cash cow of testing for Cozumel. Everyone has been raking that in.