Recently, the CDC has mandated that international airline passengers arriving in the U.S. must have a negative COVID test, or proof they have recovered from COVID. I wanted to share an article detailing the difference between the antigen test, and the more costly PCR test.
“WHAT TYPES OF TEST ARE AVAILABLE?
There are essentially two broad categories of testing:
- Antigen test (frequently referred to as a rapid test). This test detects protein fragments specific to the Coronavirus. It can be done in a clinic, doctor’s office, or hospital. Turnaround time for results is usually very quick and in some cases, results can be reported within 15 minutes.
- PCR test. PCR testing is considered the “gold standard” in SARS-CoV-2 detection. This test actually detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even those who have no symptoms. The test can be done in a clinic, hospital, or even in your car. Turnaround time is longer, generally in the 2-3 day range but results can be in as little as 24 hours. When demand is high, results can take a week or longer.
WHO SHOULD GET A RAPID TEST?
Rapid tests are considered most accurate in a patient who is having symptoms of COVID-19. While the rapid test can get you results very quickly, the results may not always be accurate.”
The Palladium Hotel Group is offering their guests free antigen COVID tests.
“Palladium Hotel Group® continues to take proactive steps to ensure the satisfaction of our guests.
FREE ANTIGEN TESTING ON PROPERTY (arrivals until April 4th, 2021) TO ANY GUEST TRAVELING BACK TO ANY COUNTRY THAT OFFICIALLY ACCEPTS ANTIGEN TEST
In order to apply for the free antigen test per person in the reservation, the guest must be enrolled in our Palladium Rewards loyalty program, before checking out.
On January 12, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the United States. This requirement will go into effect on January 26, 2021.
In response to the need to continue supporting the traveler during these trying times, we are pleased to announce the inclusion of COVID-19 antigen testing on-property at no cost (until April 4th, 2021) to guests traveling back to the U.S., as required per CDC U.S. travel regulations and to any other guests traveling back to their countries that officially requires a negative antigen tests certification as valid proof.
On-site property testing will be administered by certified labs and hospitals in partnership with our in-house Doctors committed to provide a first-rate health care service for travelers staying at any of our destinations in Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic.
Palladium Hotel Group® is proud of applying policies to protect our guests with our Stay Safe Plus FREE Health Insurance™ and our White Book Health & Safety Protocols™.
Test results will be received the same day in digital format as required by the CDC. Guests should contact the Front Desk at each resort upon arrival to schedule testing, which is required to be done 3 days prior to the date of departure.
Please know that we will have both tests available on property, whether is the antigen test, or the PCR test for guests traveling to countries that do not accept the antigen test and require PCR testing. Our Front Desk Team will help you facilitate testing provided by third-party providers, whether it is in or off-property.”
Links to full articles:
https://www.memorialhealthcare.org/whats-the-difference-between-covid-19-rapid-and-prc-tests/
https://www.palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/free-covid-test-to-travel
