#ItWasWorthIt
#ItWasWorthIt

Is the test mandatory? Test or No Test

by | Dec 8, 2020 | All Destinations, British Columbia, Canada, Cartagena, Colombia, Destinations, Hype, Medellin, North America, South America, Travel, Vancouver

Just Do It

Ethically You Should Test

I really struggled with this one. Let’s face it, the test is not cheap and if it isn’t mandatory it’s a price tag that is hard to swallow.

Colombia originally had the test as an entry requirement, but in early November they lifted that requirement and there is no mandatory quarantine either. But then last week there was some kind of court ruling that said the government had 96 hours to comply and bring it back as an entry requirement, to which the government replied, no can do courts. So while it is up in the air and could change at any moment, currently presenting a negative test upon arrival is not a requirement.

Which brings us to….

To test or not to test

I booked my test at YVR about 2 months ago because I knew that the spots fill up fast! When my flight was cancelled last month and ended up moving up 3 days, I was super lucky that I was able to move my test up.

The catch being…I need to take the test no earlier that 4 days before arrival. I arrive on a Wednesday which means I can’t take the test before Sunday. But the testing facility isn’t open on Sunday so my only option was Monday. However, the results can take 2-4 days to arrive in your inbox. So…I fly out on Tuesday and arrive Wednesday which means I may arrive without my results in my inbox. So as of right now, I am crossing my fingers and toes that they do not bring it back before I arrive or I have to hope to god I get my results within 2 days. LOL It’s a tight timeline.

IF I wanted to cancel the test I had to do it by the Friday, which would leave 6 days for anything to change. So for two reasons I kept the appointment and took the test.

  1. I didn’t want to risk arriving and being mandated to quarantine because I didn’t bother to take the test.
  2. Ethically, it’s our duty to take every precaution for ourselves and also the people around us. No single person has the right to take anyone else’s life in their hands by exposing them out of negligence. So, just take the damn test, where your mask and be a decent human.

COVID Test Rant Over

AND…there is a curfew

Honestly, I don’t mind at all. I won’t be out alone in the dark anyway, so a 9pm curfew isn’t a big deal for me and I can work at night anyway.

Several cities have imposed nightly curfews in select neighbourhoods. The action is part of the country’s effort to try to curb the spread of COVID-19, as more people are likely to gather in larger groups on those holiday dates.

Parts of Cartagena: Nightly 2100-0500 curfew in effect Dec. 7, 24 and 31 in Blas de Lezo, San Fernando, Manga, El Pozon, Los Alpes, Olaya, Ternera, Las Gaviotas, Nuevo Bosque, and Zaragocilla y El Campestre. (Yup, one of those is my hood).

In addition…The following restrictions remain in place nationwide:

  • Restaurants may operate with a 50-person capacity limit. No alcohol may be served.
  • Entertainment establishments, including cinemas, theaters, bars, and casinos, are allowed to open. No alcohol may be served. Nightclubs remain closed.

This will make for some interesting times.

Jackelyn approved…and (I hope) It Was Worth It.

Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion.  There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.