A B.C. man has a warning for anybody travelling to the U.S. after an surprising COVID-19 check consequence landed him and three mates in self-isolation as an alternative of their meant vacation spot of Las Vegas.
Trevor Meyer stated he gained’t neglect the second a employee from the CVM Medical check clinic known as his identify at Vancouver Worldwide Airport on Sept. 18, earlier than she placed on her surgical jacket and stored her distance.
“She’s like, ‘Have been you planning on travelling right this moment?’” Meyer recalled.
“And I’m like, ‘Effectively, I used to be, nevertheless it seems like I’m not going to be travelling right this moment.’ And she or he’s like, ‘Yeah, you examined optimistic.’”
Meyer, who’s double-vaccinated and had been experiencing no signs, was advised to self-isolate and name 811 whereas his optimistic rapid-test consequence was reported to Fraser Well being for contact tracing.
After his companion picked him up from the airport, they went to get examined to make sure she didn’t have COVID-19.
Hours later, each of their check outcomes got here again adverse.
Due to the conflicting outcomes, Meyer stated he received a 3rd check, which additionally got here again adverse on Sept. 21, prompting him to query the accuracy of the preliminary speedy check.
“I used to be clearly shocked that it got here out as a false optimistic. It’s like, how dependable are these checks?”
Learn extra:
Understanding false optimistic and false adverse COVID-19 checks
CVM Medical makes use of the Well being Canada-approved BD Veritor speedy antigen check.
The corporate stated it often topics every BD Veritor machine to quality-assurance testing with an impartial lab.
Meyer’s check was run on two separate machines and got here again optimistic every time, in response to CVM president Graham Williamson. He stated 26,000 speedy checks have been performed at YVR in September, ending with 30 optimistic outcomes.
CVM stated it’s as much as the well being authority to find out whether or not the optimistic rapid-test outcomes are true positives or false.
When requested, Fraser Well being didn’t present that info to International Information.
Williamson stated employees provided Meyer a PCR check, however that he declined. Nevertheless, Meyer stated he wasn’t provided one other check of any variety after the preliminary optimistic consequence.
He stated his three mates additionally determined to not journey to Las Vegas as a precaution.
“We have been attempting to do the best factor by going residence and never taking the chance of occurring a aircraft with probably having signs,” good friend Will Campbell advised International Information.
The trio all acquired adverse rapid-test outcomes, however nonetheless spent two weeks in isolation.
“We needed to quarantine at my home and I’ve a one-bedroom condominium. We have been terrified to go residence to our households and youngsters,” Campbell added, saying well being officers solely adopted up on Meyer.
In its emailed assertion, Fraser Well being stated it’s not concerned with non-public COVID-19 testing, however will comply with up with individuals who obtain a optimistic PCR check consequence.
“When an individual receives a adverse COVID-19 PCR check consequence, they don’t seem to be thought of a optimistic case. Due to this fact, there could be no contact tracing indicated of their case,” the assertion stated.
Learn extra:
COVID-19 speedy antigen checks: All the things it is advisable know
Meyer and his mates have been utilizing frequent flyer miles and have been in a position to get credit score for his or her unused flights.
The group ended up solely being out of pocket about $600 for 4 $129 speedy antigen checks and to cancel their U.S. lodge lodging.
Consultants advocate buying sufficient journey insurance coverage and studying the positive print.
“They should be sure that they’ve made bookings which might be versatile and have phrases and situations for any such scenario,” Claire Newell, president of Journey Finest Bets, advised International Information.
“As a result of one by no means is aware of what can occur when checks are required pre-flight.”
Since Jan. 26, all travellers heading from Canada into the U.S. want proof of a adverse COVID-19 check 72 hours earlier than boarding.
Meyer’s recommendation is to get examined a minimum of a day or two prematurely to keep away from any turbulence on the airport.
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