A new year, new rules and a new challenge! Good thing we are always up for a challenge, and that we have contacts all over the area.
Effective January 7, all passengers five years of age or older will be required to test negative for COVID-19 before travelling by air from another country to Canada. The test must be performed using one of two types of COVID-19 tests: PCR (molecular Polymerase Chain Reaction) or LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) – and must be taken within 72 hours of the traveler’s scheduled departure to Canada. At this time, the Canadian entry requirements are for these two types of COVID-19 test only. Antigen screening or other types of test such as Diffractive Phase Interferometry are not accepted. Link to official Canadian government message
(UPDATED 07 January, 2020) We are currently looking into LAMP testing, as that was not part of the new Canadia rule until late last night. The below information reflects what we found about PCR only; we will update this when we have LAMP testing information.
We have been in contact with the majority of the local clinics to find out who, if any, could get the proper PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test results within 48 hours. Many people with good intentions posted on Facebook that A) Charges for the PCR test ranged from $4,500 to $10,000 pesos. B) Their contacts told them it couldn’t be done. C) The only place available would take 96 hours. NOT TRUE!
Yes, the local government put out an official post about where to get the PCR test. Not wanting to leave room for error, we made calls, visits and took one of our Canadian amigos to Zihua Lab (2 days before their 09 January, 2021 flight), the one clinic that claimed to get the results back in 24 hours (we prefer to say 48 hours to play it safe!), as they send the test to Morelia vs Mexico City- a much shorter distance- making it possible to have the test back quickly. UPDATE 11 January, 2021: Laboratorio Clínico Integral, which is only $3,500, has now changed their turnaround time to 48 hours. The photo of lab information at the beginning of this blog post has reflected that change.
As seen in the photo from the local government, Zihua Lab charges $4500 pesos: Faster than the others, but $1,000 pesos more than the next laboratory on the list. But if you want to play it safe, it is the only way to go. Whichever lab you choose- an appointment will be necessary.
The question has been asked if Canadian travel insurance will cover that cost. That is a good question- but one which needs to be asked of your travel insurance representative, as no two insurance policies are alike.
With the never-ending questions about Covid testing, we recommend this link to an NPR article on why it takes so long to get results. Only certain labs are capable of handling this particular test. The length of time it takes just to get the specimen to a lab is only part of the equation; the test itself is quite complicated and time consuming. NPR article: Why It Takes So Long to Get Covid Test Results
