Pre-trip Covid 19 check question.

I have a trip planned from Seattle to New York in just a few weeks. I was checking the Covid 19 and mask requirements so there are no surprises and I'm sure to be complying with all the safety precautions. I'm vaccinated and I wear masks all day anyway, so that's not a problem at all.
I came across a "Pre-Trip Covid 19 check" that needs to be done within 24 hours of departure. I was wondering what that is. Do I need to be tested 24 hours before I get on the train, or is this just a check for symptoms? I'm flying out to Seattle from NYC, so if I need to be tested, I guess I'll need to do it there. Has anyone had to do this recently?
Here is a link to the bit in question... Coronavirus Update | Amtrak It's under the section called, "Follow Guidance on Safe Travel."

Thanks!

KiraPi said:

I have a trip planned from Seattle to New York in just a few weeks. I was checking the Covid 19 and mask requirements so there are no surprises and I'm sure to be complying with all the safety precautions. I'm vaccinated and I wear masks all day anyway, so that's not a problem at all.
I came across a "Pre-Trip Covid 19 check" that needs to be done within 24 hours of departure. I was wondering what that is. Do I need to be tested 24 hours before I get on the train, or is this just a check for symptoms? I'm flying out to Seattle from NYC, so if I need to be tested, I guess I'll need to do it there. Has anyone had to do this recently?
Here is a link to the bit in question... Coronavirus Update | Amtrak It's under the section called, "Follow Guidance on Safe Travel."

Thanks!

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It's just a simple questionnaire. IIRC, it just asks if you have any symptoms, and do you agree to wear a mask on board.

OK, great. That's what I was hoping.

That being said, we have lots of excellent testing sites in NYC offering both rapid and regular testing at the same time, with very fast turn around. The NYC HHC run (as well as their contract mobile sites) ones are very good, and are no out of pocket, with or without insurance. Never a bad idea before or after travel even if not required. Many of them are in very convenient spots, with little or no waiting. COVID-19 Testing Sites | NYC Health + Hospitals (nychealthandhospitals.org) the mobile sites just added flu tests to their rapids...

PVD said:

That being said, we have lots of excellent testing sites in NYC offering both rapid and regular testing at the same time, with very fast turn around. The NYC HHC run (as well as their contract mobile sites) ones are very good, and are no out of pocket, with or without insurance. Never a bad idea before or after travel even if not required. Many of them are in very convenient spots, with little or no waiting. COVID-19 Testing Sites | NYC Health + Hospitals (nychealthandhospitals.org) the mobile sites just added flu tests to their rapids...

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Yes! This is all true. I live in NYC and have gotten tested several times down at the SI Ferry location. I even had Covid back in February. It was not a good time. I do not recommend. I don't mind having to get tested again, I just wanted to know if I needed to.
I did not know they started doing flu tests. That's actually good to know. Thanks for that info!

You have to check which sites for the flu, it just started, I think its just the contract mobiles. Flu A/B has been added to the rapid tests (It changes nothing for us, same q-tip ) that Ambulnz/Rapid Reliable is doing at their mobile units that they run under contract for the city. The PCR test goes to the NYC PRL which runs many of NYC HHC's tests. We are very luck that NYC actually did a decent job with testing. They even have a program for coming to your house if you are immunocompromised or older/disabled.

On a recent trip last month, I filled out and submitted the pre-trip check the evening before my departure, but still received several e-mail reminders to submit it afterwards. If you successfully submit it once, you can ignore the annoying reminders.

KiraPi said:

I came across a "Pre-Trip Covid 19 check" that needs to be done within 24 hours of departure. I was wondering what that is. Do I need to be tested 24 hours before I get on the train, or is this just a check for symptoms? I'm flying out to Seattle from NYC, so if I need to be tested, I guess I'll need to do it there. Has anyone had to do this recently?

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It's a short questionnaire called an attestation that is mainly focused on establishing liability rather than ensuring meaningful containment. In the future this will likely become more and more common over time. One of our time card systems recently added this feature to each check-in event. You swipe to clock-in and then confirm you have not experienced symptoms associated with transmissible infection and will take relevant precautions around your fellow coworkers.

Devil's Advocate said:

It's a short questionnaire called an attestation that is mainly focused on establishing liability rather than ensuring meaningful containment. In the future this will likely become more and more common over time. One of our time card systems recently added this feature to each check-in event. You swipe to clock-in and then confirm you have not experienced symptoms associated with transmissible infection and will take relevant precautions around your fellow coworkers.

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These questionnaires have been around since last summer (or earlier). I've had to answer them at doctor's offices and even the Apple store.

Doctor's visit today for a consult before a procedure. Needed to provide proof of vax, and will need covid test a few days before procedure, for those who want to complain about access, the office will run the tests there a few days before. I told them I'd go to my regular site, but it certainly raises the comfort factor.

Devil's Advocate said:

It's a short questionnaire called an attestation that is mainly focused on establishing liability rather than ensuring meaningful containment. In the future this will likely become more and more common over time. One of our time card systems recently added this feature to each check-in event. You swipe to clock-in and then confirm you have not experienced symptoms associated with transmissible infection and will take relevant precautions around your fellow coworkers.

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I work Athletics and Entertainment jobs for several agencies, and all of them require you to fill out these COVID Checklists ( Digital)before reporting for work.

PVD said:

You have to check which sites for the flu, it just started, I think its just the contract mobiles. Flu A/B has been added to the rapid tests (It changes nothing for us, same q-tip ) that Ambulnz/Rapid Reliable is doing at their mobile units that they run under contract for the city. The PCR test goes to the NYC PRL which runs many of NYC HHC's tests. We are very luck that NYC actually did a decent job with testing. They even have a program for coming to your house if you are immunocompromised or older/disabled.

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I've been happy with the way the city has been trying to stay ahead of the virus. When I got Covid, I would get phone calls to check up on me and make sure I had everything I needed while I was quarantined. The testing sites seem to be everywhere so there is no excuse if you feel like you might be sick to not get tested.
This trip to Seattle is my first time out of the city in a year and a half or so. I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't nervous about it. I don't want to get sick again, and with the vaccine I know it's unlikely but not impossible. The safer the better.

Devil's Advocate said:

It's a short questionnaire called an attestation that is mainly focused on establishing liability rather than ensuring meaningful containment. In the future this will likely become more and more common over time. One of our time card systems recently added this feature to each check-in event. You swipe to clock-in and then confirm you have not experienced symptoms associated with transmissible infection and will take relevant precautions around your fellow coworkers.

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It's also been required for all international travelers arriving in to the US by flight. Delta has taken the attestation digitally for a while now, and Air Canada finally just rolled it out in the past month or so. Otherwise, there are paper forms that are collected at the gate, immediately prior to boarding.

Triley said:

It's also been required for all international travelers arriving in to the US by flight. Delta has taken the attestation digitally for a while now, and Air Canada finally just rolled it out in the past month or so. Otherwise, there are paper forms that are collected at the gate, immediately prior to boarding.

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Both American and Delta included the symptom/mask attestation as part of the boarding pass process on my phone over the summer. Technically airlines have been requiring domestic attestations for a many years, such as when they ask if anything unusual happened with your luggage or if it contains prohibited items.

Devil's Advocate said:

Both American and Delta included the symptom/mask attestation as part of the boarding pass process on my phone over the summer. Technically airlines have been requiring domestic attestations for a many years, such as when they ask if anything unusual happened with your luggage or if it contains prohibited items.

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Oh, they require them for domestic travel as well now? Had no idea. I've had 32 flights this year, only 2 domestic US (both connecting to Canada), 4 domestic Canada, and....13 YVR-SEA-YVR roundtrips. lmao

This came this afternoon less than 24 hours before my first Amtrak flight in about three years. Scared the hell out of me.

It said I needed to get this done withing 24 hours of my trip; I thought it was requiring me to take another Covid-19 test. Which I had no time to take, I live six hours away from the station where I board, this is Sunday, I live in a small town, I don't know where to get a test today.

Instead, it was just a questionaire, asking if I'd had any symptoms or had been exposed and making sure I knew about the mask requirement.

I have a vaccination CDC card, I'm bringing almost 75 masks, I'll be in a roomette, taking all my meals there. I realize bathrooms are shared, that's why my clorox wipes are coming along, I'm debating whether it's okay to just use deoderant when I can do nothing about my stringy unwashed hair unless I take a shower.

I don't know why Amtrak chose to spring this on me less than 24 hours before my trip. Shouldn't this be something they do at least a few days before??

AmarilloByMornin said:

This came this afternoon less than 24 hours before my first Amtrak flight in about three years. Scared the hell out of me.

It said I needed to get this done withing 24 hours of my trip; I thought it was requiring me to take another Covid-19 test. Which I had no time to take, I live six hours away from the station where I board, this is Sunday, I live in a small town, I don't know where to get a test today.

Instead, it was just a questionaire, asking if I'd had any symptoms or had been exposed and making sure I knew about the mask requirement.

I have a vaccination CDC card, I'm bringing almost 75 masks, I'll be in a roomette, taking all my meals there. I realize bathrooms are shared, that's why my clorox wipes are coming along, I'm debating whether it's okay to just use deoderant when I can do nothing about my stringy unwashed hair unless I take a shower.

I don't know why Amtrak chose to spring this on me less than 24 hours before my trip. Shouldn't this be something they do at least a few days before??

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No, it should be done within 24 hours (or less) What good is data from 48 hours ago if the answer to one of the questions changes between when you answered the questions and 24 hours before you board? Maybe you found out you were in close contact with someone with COVID 25 hours before travel.

AmtrakBlue said:

No, it should be done within 24 hours (or less) What good is data from 48 hours ago if the answer to one of the questions changes between when you answered the questions and 24 hours before you board? Maybe you found out you were in close contact with someone with COVID 25 hours before travel.

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Because I can't GET the data in less than24 hours where I live. Congratulations that you live somewhere you can get it. I don't.

I stayed home the last 24 hours. It doesn't guarantee my partner didn''t contact it. We rented a car to take us 350 miles to the closest station. Maybe you elitists need to ban the rest of us from traveling altogether?

AmarilloByMornin said:

Because I can't GET the data in less than24 hours where I live. Congratulations that you live somewhere you can get it. I don't.

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What data do you think you need to get before answering the questions? You just answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. If you think you should have been tested in order to have data, you're mistaken. I've only been tested for COVID two times. Once for pre-surgery and once because of known exposure. And I've traveled several times since they began the pre-trip "screening".

AmtrakBlue said:

What data do you think you need to get before answering the questions? You just answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. If you think you should have been tested in order to have data, you're mistaken. I've only been tested for COVID two times. Once for pre-surgery and once because of known exposure. And I've traveled several times since the began the pre-trip "screening".

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If you believe everyone answers the questions truthfully then I'm glad I've never traveled with you.

I actually like testing, and go every 2 weeks, or a few days after an event that involves (elevated) risk. I am fortunate that a NyC mobile unit parks less than 10 minutes from my hose, does rapid and regular at the same sitting, and usually has only one or two people waiting. No charge, results in 20 minutes rapid one day on the PCR. When things were crazy, a local library was commandeered, they used to give you a tote bag with masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer. Miss that. Testing raises my comfort and confidence level.

PVD said:

I actually like testing, and go every 2 weeks, or a few days after an event that involves (elevated) risk. I am fortunate that a NyC mobile unit parks less than 10 minutes from my hose, does rapid and regular at the same sitting, and usually has only one or two people waiting. No charge, results in 20 minutes rapid one day on the PCR. When things were crazy, a local library was commandeered, they used to give you a tote bag with masks and a bottle of hand sanitizer. Miss that. Testing raises my comfort and confidence level.

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Don't know where you are, but that's not available here. They're actually aggravated that I've gone for testing 6 times in the last year. If I wake up with a sore throat I go, if I have a fever of more than 98 I go. I went to get antibody testing at my own expense and was disappointed I didn't have any. I was first in line for the vaccine, I've taken the vitamins recommended for years before Covid-19 existed. I don't know what else to do, except maybe die like the elitists seem to want, but I won't, at least not yet.

Too me, readily available and convenient testing is super important. Since people with no symptoms can spread covid it is a huge help. Yesterday, NYC did just under 100K tests. I know in many areas, it will be hard to scale up high volume PCR testing at a favorable cost, but rapid testing, although a bit less accurate, still can be used for widespread cost effective screening, Park something like this in different spots on a rotating basis. (we contracted for about 40 units to supplement all the fixed locations, urgent cares, hospital, etc) huge help

AmarilloByMornin said:

Don't know where you are, but that's not available here. They're actually aggravated that I've gone for testing 6 times in the last year. If I wake up with a sore throat I go, if I have a fever of more than 98 I go. I went to get antibody testing at my own expense and was disappointed I didn't have any. I was first in line for the vaccine, I've taken the vitamins recommended for years before Covid-19 existed. I don't know what else to do, except maybe die like the elitists seem to want, but I won't, at least not yet.

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What "elitists" want people to die? Seems to me the "elites" are tearing their hair out in frustration trying to get more people vaccinated and doing other stuff to keep them from getting sick. And good news, if you're vaccinated, even with the reduced immunity to infection over time, you're still pretty well protected from betting really sick and dying. I've only been tested twice, once when I took a trip in the summer of 2020 and once before a minor diagnostic procedure. I've actually been healthier during this period of the pandemic than I was beforehand. I used to get a viral crud every spring and fall, but not since Covid. I credit that to social distancing and being pretty hardcore about wearing my mask when there are lots of other people present.

AmarilloByMornin said:

Because I can't GET the data in less than24 hours where I live. Congratulations that you live somewhere you can get it. I don't.

I stayed home the last 24 hours. It doesn't guarantee my partner didn''t contact it. We rented a car to take us 350 miles to the closest station. Maybe you elitists need to ban the rest of us from traveling altogether?

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I don't know about any elitists. I do know the questionnaire is basically just asking if you are having any COVID symptoms or have been exposed to someone known to have COVID. It seems very similar to the online questionnaire I had to fill out before going to see the dentist recently. I didn't need any special "data."

What "data" can't you get? They do not require test results of any kind, and you ought to know yourself if you are coughing or running a fever.

You frankly seem to be wildly overreacting to basically being asked if you are running a fever.