Just retuned from Galapagos. We realize the stress of all of the testing did take a toll. We did not relax as much as usual on a dive vacation. It's not just the fear of a positive, but the wait for results. We needed two RT-PCR tests to get there because we spent 4 days in Quito, so, one in the US and one in Quito. To get the results within the 72 hour window for this type of test wasn't cheep. I do find it a bit silly that we had to take a test to come home where our chances of getting covid are so much higher in Illinois than in Ecuador or the Galapagos. Every single person we saw in Quito and the Galapagos wore a mask both indoors and outdoors (it's their law), except what looked like tourists. The vax rate in Ecuador and especially the Galapagos is quite high. So, we felt safer there than here. Luckily, all 16 in our group made it there and back as scheduled. However, spouse and I plan to stay in the US until at least December in hopes of not having to go through the "test-anxiety" again. I understand and respect every persons decision based on their own risk tolerance and personal situation (work, flexible schedule, etc.). I hope we all get to do what we love as far as diving sooner rather than later.
Rob