$300 Residents ‘No PreTest’ Fee To Start Dec 25
The $300 fee for residents arriving without a pre-arrival Covid test will take effect on December 25th, Minister of Health Kim Wilson advised.
Recently announced regulations served to increase the fee for residents who are returning to the island without a Covid-19 pretest from $30 to $300, and were supposed to take effect this week, however the Minister noted this would be extended due to the delay with Costco test availability in all the U.S. states.
In providing the latest test results, Minister Kim Wilson said, “Please also note that for those residents arriving without a pre-arrival Covid test being subject to a fee of $300, this fee is being delayed until December 25th, due to the delay in Costco’s rollout of the test in all fifty states. The PCR Covid test will be available as of December 21st from participating Costco locations, in all 50 US states.”
Speaking in Parliament last week Friday, Premier David Burt advised that the fee a resident to return without a pre-test will be increased from $30 to $300, which “will discourage residents from boarding flights without a valid pre-test, and will help to fund the enhanced monitoring of those persons arriving without a pre-test.”
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This is Absurd and this Government needs to come better then this, here is my arguments concerning this $300.00 fee being thrown at Bermuda residents, I totally agree in all travelers getting the Pre-test before arrival into Bermuda, but let’s not tear the tail out of this, because at present most can get a pre-test that is covered by their health insurance. Here are my questions.
1) Is these Pre-Test from Costco covered by an individuals Health Insurance, because it sounds like you have to purchase out of pocket at $129.99- $139.99.
2) Why is Government accepting the Pre-Test from Costco, where a person does not deal directly with a clinician in person, but spits in a vial and is being watched by clinician technician online, while doing the sample of saliva, and then the person has to send it in for the testing results.
3) If we are now accepting these test kits and results in this manner, as described by the Costco test kits, Why isn’t Government going back to accepting The Rapid Pre- Test from reputable health care facilities, as they did previous.
4)Costco Pre- Test is a saliva based test, so why are we continuing to make travelers take the Nasal test upon arrival at the airport, Travelers should be given the option to choose, between the nasal test, or the swab inside the cheek.
This is my observation, because most people are like they are afraid to challenge this Government when it comes to Covid19 restrictions and guidelines.
The difference between getting a pre-test at Costco and going to an urgent care center in the U.S., I believe the local Bermuda Insurance companies, will cover the test upfront for taking test at a health facility, while the purchase of the test from Costco comes directly out of pocket and I’m not sure if the insurance will reimburse you, these are the Questions that need asking and answered..
Lastly for those of us that have to travel for medical and have appointments, that are just a few days and then returning to Bermuda, and can’t get an appointment that quick for Pre- Test, and in some cases, some can’t afford to purchase from Costco, where is the justification for this, as so many of our residence have to travel often for medical.
This is not a very thought out process from the Governments position and it looks like it’s becoming more of a money making venture, which is ridiculous.
“Looks like it’s becoming more of a money making venture.” AGREED!!!
Isn’t CostCo a membership company? What I see from their site is that there are two levels on membership: $60 or $120 per year. Please clarify.
Lol!!! Funny you choose to Challenge this government on this platform. You can’t think your idea is that great. Your only looking for support. The $300 “will discourage residents from boarding flights without a valid pre-test, and will help to fund the enhanced monitoring of those persons arriving without a pre-test.” It’s just that simple. If you are paying attention. Our own people have caused this outbreak on the island. If government didn’t do anything that would be a problem too right. If your ideas are so great why don’t you challenge the government directly. Because your not challenging anyone here. SMFH… This wasn’t a thought out process from your position either.