I guess it might briefly be like the difficulty of finding a location and appointment for the original vaccine. On the one hand, that really sucks. On the other, it’s a demand problem, and high demand for a booster, or any dose at this point, is great.

Hope you manage to find something soon!

Finally got a box of real N95 masks. 3M.

@RichVR Did you get the ones I mentioned? The 3M Aura N95? Mine arrived today, can’t wait to get home.

You posted them here, right? Then that’s what I got. Thanks for the heads up!

Yeah in the mask thread. :D

Recovered from Covid around 2 weeks ago, still not 100% the same, but almost, good enough that I can go on my walks, almost no coughing, head pretty much cleared the Covid fog I had.

Of course, now with the new variant, yesterday I coughed a little, and went instantly to Covid, but I’m not sure I can even check, since apparently you can have false positives for months after having Covid. I don’t even know if I can “get” Covid so soon after recovering.

That’s a good question, whether you’re likely to get omicron 2 weeks after recovering from delta. My assumption is it’s absolutely possible but unlikely, because your immune system is still on high alert from delta.

One of the unfortunate side effects of having had covid is that every little sniffle one gets gives them that “Oh shit! Not again” feeling.

I’ve seen the reverse effect here, at least for a while. Every coworker who has gotten COVID here has felt a sigh of relief afterwards, thinking they don’t have to worry about it for a period of time.

Oh great QT3 Brain Trust. I come here seeking your sage advice.

My wife is heading to Italy in a couple of weeks for an extended (3 month) business trip. We know that a negative Covid test is necessary no more than 24 hours before departure. She has the Verifly app to hold her info but…

How does one get a quick turnaround test that would be considered valid. There doesn’t appear to be solid info on the process. It looks like you can use an at home test and have it monitored via webcam??? Is that right?

Basically, we’re looking for more clear instructions on the process.

I’m not sure if this is the sort of thing you’re looking for. The US is group D, so these are the Italian entry requirements.

It looks like you need proof of prior complete vaccination, you need to complete the health declaration, and you need either:

  • A PCR test taken no earlier than 72 hours prior to departure, or
  • An antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours prior to departure

You may be able to get the antigen test at your departure airport. Check the airport web site for that. Also, the airline you’re using should have the current information needed for entry into Italy, since they have to enforce the rules at boarding time. I would check their web site occasionally as a way of ensuring you know if anything has changed.

I know that you can get a quick turnaround (6 hours?) at the Miami airport, but it’s super expensive.

I have no idea about antigen tests but PCR tests are hard to schedule around here. Most places will only let you get an appointment for the next day and they fill up fast.

Certainly the PCR test gives you more flexibility (you can take it a couple days before your flight), but it is both more expensive and harder to schedule in many areas.

Also, I think you can use phone apps to present your vax info, but I would carry paper copies of both the vax card and the test result.

I am sure its a regional thing and I am guessing that you have checked with pharmacies but have you checked with any local urgent care centers. The ones around here PCR test with a 24 hour turn around. I have yet to have an issue getting a same day test but as I mentioned where you live probably affects that.

Thanks for the info everyone. The extra logistical hoop is I need to drop her off in the Boston area 2 days before her flight. I guess it’s time to check area there for tests. I also see there is testing at Logan Airport. Not cheap, but it might work.

Antigen test tends to be much cheaper than PCR.

I just ordered a couple of antigen kits with online verification included. It’s supposed to integrate with the Verifly App. Fingers crossed.

I don’t have any way to know what Italy will do, but I personally wouldn’t use a home test kit as a way to satisfy their negative test requirement. Maybe that will be fine, I really don’t know, but I’d get an in-person test from a pharmacy or a medical lab.

I travel from Ecuador to the US, and need a test to board, and I’m pretty sure neither JetBlue nor US immigration would accept a home test result. I certainly wouldn’t gamble on it.

The home test is administered in the in the during a webcam appointment scheduled in advanced. They monitor you taking the test, verify the result and provide digital proof.

Here’s the site.

Here’s to hoping it works.