Mexico City, Mexico, Feb. 16, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On January 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that international travelers, including American citizens, must show proof of being Covid-19 negative, 72 hours before boarding a flight to the States. Many Central American and Caribbean resorts and hotels- two of the few places still accepting American travelers during this pandemic period- were surprisingly well prepared.
Royal Holidays Hotels & Resorts has been offering Covid-19 antigen tests to guests since late December. As part of their Safe Guest Program, they have been providing two complementary, on-site antigen tests per room. Additional antigen tests are available for purchase at special rates. All tests are carried out by a certified physician and an official certificate is issued if someone tests negative. The certificate will be used when boarding a flight to the U.S.
For non-US travelers, Royal Holiday offers PCR tests at special rates. PCR tests are required to enter other countries such as Canada.
The operations manager at Royal Holiday Vacation Club said that they are committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of those who test positive for Covid-19 by providing them with special rates to stay in the obligated quarantine at their hotels.
Adhering to Coronavirus Testing Requirements Has Been a Big Priority for Hotels
Nearly every major resort has publicized its coronavirus testing offerings since the CDC requirement was announced in early January. In most cases, there is an on-site physician who tests guests.
Travel companies are partnering with certified medical centers and hospitals to ensure that their guests can receive the required tests at reduced prices. The price being charged for the antigen test ranges from $50 to $300. In some cases such as that of Royal Holiday Vacation Club, up to two tests per room are offered free of charge.
Some hotels are helping to offset the costs that guests spend on testing requirements required for departure to America. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort on Sint Maarten is providing a $120 credit to offset testing costs. This can be used for room upgrades, buying wine, or enjoying a spa treatment.
Entire Regions are Adapting to the New Testing Protocols
In Los Cabos, Mexico, the local tourism board has made it mandatory for hotels to have rapid antigen tests for re-entry to the States. Yucatan State in Mexico is providing coronavirus testing at the Merida International Airport. Travelers in Leon and Guanajuato City can access testing at Guanajuato Airport.
Hotels Have Developed New Safety Procedures
To facilitate adherence to regulations and the safety of guests, hotels are implementing safety measures such as temperature checks, stringent sanitizing, and social distancing. Wearing a mask has become mandatory in all facilities. In most resorts, communal places are constantly being disinfected.
With All These Safety Protocols, Is it Safe to Travel?
Travel companies have done their part in limiting the spread of the coronavirus. Those who choose to travel need to take all the necessary precautions to stay safe. Some of the COVID-free safe destinations that a traveler can visit include:
1. Madeira Islands, Portugal
Madeira Islands has one of the lowest rates of active cases in Europe because health measures were taken very early. By providing proof of a negative test 72 hours before departure, a traveler won't be required to quarantine.
2. Martinique, Lesser Antilles
Martinique has 15 times fewer severe cases of the coronavirus than most Western countries. Travelers must pass a PCR test before visiting Martinique.
3. Lagoa- Algarve, Portugal
In recent months, The Algarve has remained untouched by covid-19. It is one of the safest destinations in Europe.
4. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti has 3 times fewer Covid-19 cases than Belgium. Proof of a negative PCR test is required three days before boarding the flight.
5. Kefalonia Island, Greece
Greece has up to 4 times fewer severe cases than the most affected countries. Kefalonia is one of Greece's best-hidden gems.
For more information about traveling during the pandemic period, visit https://www.royal-holiday.com/en.