Israel And Ben Gurion COVID-19 Reopening Master Thread

[Happyguy]

It’s unclear at this point

At the moment they can't. However, it may change.

[ExGingi]

Tried making an appointment for my son and got the following: Suitable time slots for your flight for this testing area are full. Please try another testing area.

Any suggestions? Just have him wing it when he gets there?

It might be a problem with the system. Try again later. Make sure you enter a flight time that is within 72 hours of the requested test appointment. When I tested they asked to see my ticket which was more than 72 hours out, they started arguing with me, but I just said OK, I want to get tested even if test won't be valid for that flight (I was planning on getting an earlier flight, which I did).

[username]

Is the Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test acceptable to travel into Israel?  The test (I am told) says that the test is a Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test, and for the results it states 'PCR negative'

[Dan]

Is the Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test acceptable to travel into Israel?  The test (I am told) says that the test is a Abbott ID NOW™ COVID-19 test, and for the results it states 'PCR negative'

I've asked this question many times and never got an answer. I know Canada and Hawaii accept this test.

I'm surprised it says PCR negative though as it's not a PCR test, but a NAAT test. (As I understand it, PCR tests are a type of NAAT test, but this isn't a PCR test).
Where did you take it?

[yeshivabucher]

I've asked this question many times and never got an answer. I know Canada and Hawaii accept this test.

I'm surprised it says PCR negative though as it's not a PCR test, but a NAAT test. (As I understand it, PCR tests are a type of NAAT test, but this isn't a PCR test).
Where did you take it?

ive head dp of naat being accepted as pcr for going to israel

[username]

Didn't take it yet.
looking into going here:

https://walkinurgentcare.com/Brunswick-OH.php

[Dan]

Didn't take it yet.
looking into going here:

https://walkinurgentcare.com/Brunswick-OH.php

Where do you see it says PCR neg?

You can take the test at Walgreens. Quick, easy, and free.

[username]

Where do you see it says PCR neg?

You can take the test at Walgreens. Quick, easy, and free.

That's what the lady told me on the phone. Can you post the results from your test?

[Dan]

That's what the lady told me on the phone. Can you post the results from your test?

[met]

It might be a problem with the system. Try again later. Make sure you enter a flight time that is within 72 hours of the requested test appointment. When I tested they asked to see my ticket which was more than 72 hours out, they started arguing with me, but I just said OK, I want to get tested even if test won't be valid for that flight (I was planning on getting an earlier flight, which I did).

slow test works, but not fast

[ExGingi]

slow test works, but not fast

I have never seen the fast test having available appointments. Book the slow one. I got results in about - 7 hours IIRC.

[Dan]

https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/headlines-breaking-stories/1962702/important-clarification-regarding-reports-that-non-israeli-citizens-can-now-visit-relatives-in-israel-read-the-updates.html
Are there the most condescending "news" site out there?
Anyone have links to news sites which reported the following?

As opposed to numerous erroneous and or misleading reports, this does not mean that Israel is opening its borders to foreign tourists.

Also, they just don't know how to read

foreign family members will be able to apply for and obtain entry permits to enter Israel for various special circumstances such as simchas (weddings, bar mitzvahs and births), medical emergencies, deaths and to visit lone soldiers.

This just isn't what it says

Not seeing any indication that there needs to be a simcha/occasion:

https://embassies.gov.il/new-york/ConsularServices/Pages/COVID19PERMITS.aspx

[Ergel]

The Israeli rules really don't matter (I was never even asked for my PCR test in Israel!!!), it only matters what the airlines think the rules are.
Anyways, everywhere I've seen, the rules clearly state a PCR test, I don't see why we think anything else would be acceptable

[Ergel]

Also, they just don't know how to read This just isn't what it says

Not seeing any indication that there needs to be a simcha/occasion:

https://embassies.gov.il/new-york/ConsularServices/Pages/COVID19PERMITS.aspx

Yup. I think Chaim V'Chesed was being overly conservative (though not sure why they needed to be snarky)

[ExGingi]

The Israeli rules really don't matter (I was never even asked for my PCR test in Israel!!!), it only matters what the airlines employee checking your documents think the rules are.

FTFY

The entire thing is one big farce IMHO.

[username]

The Israeli rules really don't matter (I was never even asked for my PCR test in Israel!!!), it only matters what the airlines think the rules are.
Anyways, everywhere I've seen, the rules clearly state a PCR test, I don't see why we think anything else would be acceptable

Maybe @biobook can translate, but i gleaned this from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/naats.html


A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, or NAAT, is a type of viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. NAATs detect genetic material (nucleic acids).  NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 specifically identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprise the genetic material of the virus.

NAATs can use many different methods to amplify nucleic acids and detect the virus...

[Ergel]

Maybe @biobook can translate, but i gleaned this from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/lab/naats.html


A Nucleic Acid Amplification Test, or NAAT, is a type of viral diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. NAATs detect genetic material (nucleic acids).  NAATs for SARS-CoV-2 specifically identify the RNA (ribonucleic acid) sequences that comprise the genetic material of the virus.

NAATs can use many different methods to amplify nucleic acids and detect the virus...

Good luck explaining any of this to an agent.
If the test says PCR you'll be fine
If it doesn't, you will be denied boarding. End of story

[JlmBoi]

Good luck explaining any of this to an agent.
If the test says PCR you'll be fine
If it doesn't, you will be denied boarding. End of story

From the amount of intent I've seen them give it, i'd def try to wing things if in an emergency.

[Dan]

If it doesn't, you will be denied boarding. End of story

Erm. Says who?

ive head dp of naat being accepted as pcr for going to israel

[Ergel]

Erm. Says who?

Sorry. I should have said, you can be denied boarding. Depends on whether the check-in agent cares or looks