feewee Posted September 21, 2021 Report Share Posted September 21, 2021 This is for those looking Lakeside for a COVID-19 PCR test. Just to clarify, this is NOT the same as the COVID-19 Antigen test. PCR is a molecular polymerase chain reaction test and it is not as widely available Lakeside as the antigen test, therefore I am sharing the information I gathered as it may help others. At time of writing, a PCR test is required for entry into Canada and your test results will NOT be accepted at the Canadian border if they are older than 72 hrs. You should check the Canadian Gov't website for most recent info. https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/exemptions?utm_source=travel-covid_travel-restrictions_entering-canada-checklist&utm_medium=redirect&utm_content=en The following was accurate on Aug 30, 2021 (you should double check) The PCR test is available at: - San Antonio Hospital - $6800+ pesos, results were offered in 72 hours - not willing to guarantee anything earlier - Ribera Medical Centre (Libremento) - $4800+ pesos, results in 72 hrs but testing was not available on Sunday so this can make it tricky to plan, - Laboritorio Clinico El Lago (behind bus station in Chapala) - $2800+ pesos - results same evening as test, I triple checked this and was told I would receive test results via email within 12 hrs of the test. You can also get a PCR test at the Guadalajara Airport - 2nd level of the parking lot - I did not speak to them as I wanted to get a tested Lakeside. I also did not research anything west of Ajijic. The discrepancy in prices, did not appear to have anything to do with timeliness of results or level of service. Lakeside locations that did NOT offer PCR test: - Ajijic Hospital - Chopo Lab - Go Lab - Best Lab My Experience: My husband and I went to Laboritorio Clinico El Lago because of their pricing and their multiple assurances that we would have the test results the same evening. We called for an appointment and chose to take one a day earlier than they suggested just so we would have a buffer day if something didn't go as planned. (Our back up plan was Guadalajara Airport). This is a very small clinic and the place was hopping first thing on a Monday morning but the process was very efficient. We speak very little Spanish and the staff were helpful and kind. You have to check in at the window upon arrival and they took us right on time. I felt that they knew exactly what the process is - if there was any confusion at all it was due to our lack of experience and language skills. Once inside, we had to fill in a simple form with our address and passport info BRING YOUR PASSPORT (or at least the number) WITH YOU. They will create a sticker with your name and passport number on it - make sure your name is spelled correctly and exactly the same as it appears in your passport. The test itself takes place in a little closet-sized office and is done by a technician in full PPE - hazmat suit, googles, ventilator. The technician sprays and disinfests everything - including you. The test is not pleasant but not terrible either - a swab in each nostril all the way to the sinus and a swab at the back of your mouth. The technician spoke very good English and explained each step before proceeding. He told me the samples are driven to Guadalajara in the afternoon for processing that evening. The whole thing took less than 5 mins and was very professional. We paid cash after the testing and asked for a receipt which was created immediately on an official receipt pad and signed by the head nurse. Turns out we never needed to show it to anyone but it was just another piece of documentation if something went wrong along the way. The whole process for two of us took about 30 mins. Good to their promise, our results arrived the same evening via email - actually earlier than the 12 hrs advertised. They were PDF attachments which we downloaded to our mobile devices and we also printed them. Having a paper copy turned out to be the easiest for airport purposes. We were asked to show them at the AeroMexico check-in counter and we had to present them to Canadian Customs and Immigration upon arrival in Canada. It cost us $5600 pesos for two people, plus ~$400 pesos for taxi from Ajijic to Chapala and back. So all in, $6000 pesos for the two of us. Hope this is helpful to those heading back into Canada. Stay safe! Feewee 5 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sm1mex Posted September 21, 2021 Report Share Posted September 21, 2021 Where is this clinico el lago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wellington Posted September 21, 2021 Report Share Posted September 21, 2021 Feewee - many thanks for your post. I've been wondering where one could get a PCR test Lakeside. smimex - if you google it (Laboratorio Clínico El Lago), you will find it (one block east of the Chapala bus terminal). note that it closes at 3pm, probably to allow for the drive to Guad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACD Posted September 21, 2021 Report Share Posted September 21, 2021 The test is used Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sm1mex Posted September 21, 2021 Report Share Posted September 21, 2021 Why is the PCR test useless?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cedros Posted September 21, 2021 Report Share Posted September 21, 2021 feewee Thank you for posting that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACD Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 22 hours ago, sm1mex said: Why is the PCR test useless?? The WHO Confirms that the Covid-19 PCR Test is: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 It actually doesn't matter what the WHO and the CDC say because, until the Government of Canada requires some other test to enter Canada, the PCR is what they want. Period. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndyPanda Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 ACD constantly refers to several websites well-known for their rightist-conspiracy leanings. I suspect he continues to do so in this thread. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACD Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 This Is Evil at the Highest Level,’ Says HHS Whistleblower Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACD Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 5 hours ago, AndyPanda said: ACD constantly refers to several websites well-known for their rightist-conspiracy leanings. I suspect he continues to do so in this thread. RFK Jr a rightist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ACD Posted September 22, 2021 Report Share Posted September 22, 2021 6 hours ago, Ferret said: It actually doesn't matter what the WHO and the CDC say because, until the Government of Canada requires some other test to enter Canada, the PCR is what they want. Period. Facts do matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen White Posted September 23, 2021 Report Share Posted September 23, 2021 On 9/21/2021 at 3:43 PM, sm1mex said: Why is the PCR test useless?? Sadly some people chose to make the pandemic a political issue and scour the internet to find “proof” to back up their misguided views. Easiest to put such people on ignore and we their misguided rankings from your feed. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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