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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 23rd November

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Comments (382)

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

  • Polly says:
    23 Nov23 November 02:42

    No insomniacs on here yet then ? Good morning from holiday camp not! here in Singapore…writing from the nice sunny warm balcony that one cannot escape from…anyway, some progress on the incarceration..serology and day 6 PCR done now. Even if neg results back tomorrow, cannot leave til Thursday… Must get special permission from MOH to break protocol to allow me to leave the day of results! On Wed, but feeling optimistic..few travellers going out today….but nurse confirmed most of the 400 here are people like me in for a few days, PCrs, serology, then out…just weird. Def a pattern here.

    Insurance companies
    ( Lloyds and HSBC splitting it) are very annoyed, seems like HSBC are inclined to discuss this locally. Many q asked…interesting. Wonder if they smell a rat too…

    • Polly says:
      23 Nov23 November 02:43

      Oh and a nice hot dog and water issued for breakfast, asked for 2 boiled eggs, duly got them after 30m. Nice.

      • Polly says:
        24 Nov24 November 00:26

        AM FREE, just got my cheerful call, from my fav nurse, all negative. Escaping in 2 hours…can’t believe it…had just settled in for a nice cuppa on the balcony…

        Tnx everyone for such great support x

        • Polly says:
          24 Nov24 November 01:05

          It’s raining, but simply don’t care. Now we can really start our hols…exciting

    • MarkZ says:
      23 Nov23 November 03:28

      Good Morning ! I’m working on the night shift – does that count?

    • Blenz101 says:
      23 Nov23 November 03:50

      Morning Polly. Sending my best your way, fingers crossed today is your last full day by the sounds of things.

      Hope your OH is doing OK as well given this enforced separation.

    • Michael C says:
      23 Nov23 November 05:48

      Thinking of you lots, Polly, and hoping it’s all eventually the “best” travel anecdote at the next HFP party (to which I hope you get an honorary invite)!!

      • Mikeact says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:04

        I remember our chat at the last (?) HFP party … enjoy the rest of your stay !! Let us know how the insurance pans out.

    • Track says:
      23 Nov23 November 06:14

      Best of wishes to you, Polly. Have you tried speaking to the airline asking to move the return ticket down the line – to fulfil your travel plans?

      I was typing yesterday it is possible for a vaxxed person to carry a virus temporarily and under controls of the immune system, with it unable to infect enough cells.

      Vaccinated and recovering people shed virus with damaged RNA. Those shedded virions are weak and can’t penetrate an immune system with a developed response. But PCR and other tests do not care about these nuances, which make all the difference in practice (eg no new infection).

      TBH, I thought of Singapore as they opened. It was always an attractive and convenient stopover, but now — another confirmation not to come to SE Asia without a need. The reward — in the form of stress and hassle-free holiday — is not there, does not match the risk.

      • Paul says:
        23 Nov23 November 06:43

        Have to agree, Singapores approach while understandable, is not something I am prepared to risk.

    • Hulk says:
      23 Nov23 November 06:27

      What day’s comments do I need to read to catch the beginning of Polly’s experience?

      Sorry to hear this Polly.

      • Track says:
        23 Nov23 November 06:28

        Saturday, I think.

      • AJA says:
        23 Nov23 November 08:28

        The chat thread on Saturday was Polly thinking she’d had a bogus Singaporean test n trace call. The chat thread on Sunday is when it became all too real. Page 1 at 7:13am.

    • meta says:
      23 Nov23 November 06:42

      It is good to read you’re still in positive spirits. At least insurance will hopefully sort it out for you, so it won’t turn into the most expensive holiday ever.

    • Anna says:
      23 Nov23 November 06:46

      Morning Polly!
      Yes, it would be interesting to know how many of these detained people are actually confirmed positive after all this.
      You should send your story to the press when you get home. Hope you get out on Thursday or sooner.

    • Craig says:
      23 Nov23 November 07:27

      All the best Polly, it’s certainly making me reconsider my Singapore plans for Feb! #freethehfpone

      • Nick says:
        23 Nov23 November 07:52

        The only ‘rat’ is that a UK test is clearly not strong enough to catch a positive case. Knowing Singapore I’d be astonished if an official thing like this were being abused. I know it’s easy to be cynical when you’re on the other side, but it’s important not to spread suspicion or cynicism as fact.

        Does give us all food for thought though. Such as where else this might happen… and whether there’s a lesson we should have learnt here last year. Hope you come to the end of it soon.

        • Track says:
          23 Nov23 November 08:19

          It is not that, PCR test alone not supposed to be a definitive proof.

          Crank the number of cycles > 50 and you detect anything you want with PCR.

          • meta says:
            23 Nov23 November 09:23

            If I remember correctly, Polly said Singapore’s PCR is deemed positive with anything above 30 even if negative, UK anything above 50 I believe.

        • BuildBackBetter says:
          23 Nov23 November 08:44

          Says “important not to spread suspicion” and does exactly that.
          Did you know that the singapore test was also negative?

        • Track says:
          23 Nov23 November 20:17

          Those were not cycles, that’s a separate parameter modulating the test.
          Each cycle doubles the copy number of the amplified gene: ten cycles ideally produces (2^10) copies. After 30 cycles, what began as a single molecule of DNA has been amplified into more than a billion copies (2^30 = 1.02 x 109).

          Polly said it was a viral load of 30. But yes, this is a bingo,

          “Without an apples-to-apples standard to compare RTqPCR results, an individual with a high 3,000,000 copies/ml viral load will get the same positive lab result as another with a low 50 copies/ml.”

          • Polly says:
            23 Nov23 November 23:31

            Exactly, different values applied. Thanks for clarifying. It is difficult to differentiate, and how they come to conclusions. Plus their serology requirements.

            But if they can control a vast metropolis this way, then so be it…and it is such a vast area. These 3 cities KL, HKG and SIn have to be able to control such huge numbers, am so amazed at their ability to contain it. They are strict, their track and trace system is simply brilliant, and masks worn everywhere. They must be doing something right, even if we get caught up in that monitoring system. Balcony rooms do help big time, tho, l must admit. It certainly doesn’t feel like hardship, just strange being here. And no control over the situation at all. But hoping common sense will prevail today, if neg again, and let me go today, Wed morning now, rather than Thursday.

            So we have to hand it to them, it hopefully will be contained as much as possible. SIn have just announced an expansion to their VTL program, so their confidence must be growing. More EU cities and USA. They really need us tourists badly tho. So Mr Hazmat driver tells me.

      • Billy says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:43

        Everything closes at 10:30. Last drink at 10pm. Enjoy….

    • AJA says:
      23 Nov23 November 08:25

      @Polly I am amazed at your resilience, fortitude and relatively good humour at your enforced incarceration. Thank you for posting updates as it is a real eye-opener of the risks we are still facing when travelling. As awful as it has been at least there is light at the end of the tunnel. Fingers crossed for an early release.

      I am so sorry for you and your husband. This is not the holiday you were planning. How long is your holiday? I hope you get released soon and get back to enjoying what ordinarily would be a fantastic holiday. It is now memorable for all the wrong reasons.

      Thinking of you both. Virtual hugs from me here in London.

    • Tracey says:
      23 Nov23 November 08:55

      Sending positive vibes to you Polly.

      I don’t understand why they are doing serology tests, all that will show is if you have antibodies either from an infection in the last few months or from a vaccine. What use is it here?

      • Sam G says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:04

        From what I know it’s to determine if the inconclusive / positive PCR is a result of shedding due to a recent past infection (presumably they can tell the difference between that and the vaccine?)

        • Tracey says:
          23 Nov23 November 12:45

          Not always. I did an antibody test from the NHS designed to pick up actual infection only. It can back positive even though I have to my knowledge had covid and nor has anyone in my household and I test regularly for work. At that point my AZ vaccines were 7 and 5 months old. The wisdom was that there is some crossover between antibodies created from the vaccine and those from an infection. I’ve since had a Pfizer booster, so hopefully my antibodies are at a good level.

      • Jill ( Kinkell ) says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:16

        My OH isn’t a HfPer ( but enjoys the benefits gained of snippets and info…and he does what I tell him!) He’s horrified, as am I, of the Singapore Saga you are going through. I’m going to have a real job persuading him to venture beyond our shores.Meanwhile soak up that sun on the balcony, I do hope insurance picks up the tab and you get to enjoy some holiday time.

    • Vit says:
      23 Nov23 November 09:05

      All the best, Polly. I will be surely needing to catch up with this thread from Saturday. I and partner are travelling to Thailand and Cambodia in 2 weeks time — while I have been tested negative multiple times (prior to going offshore) — I am still nervous!

      • meta says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:29

        It seems one’s country negative PCR is another country’s positive. I am not going anywhere with the test on arrival, especially for the vaccinated.

        • Yorkieflyer says:
          23 Nov23 November 10:12

          I think this is the lesson lots of us will takeaway and has been a nagging doubt in the back of my mind when planning trips.
          I do hope your able to salvage some of your holiday Polly.

        • Track says:
          23 Nov23 November 21:28

          With the test on arrival AND mandatory quarantine at a government facility.

          Remember that regardless of your background and wealth, for Singapore, Thailand, Australia — you are an immigrant without rights in this situation. Not that citizens are afforded much legal protection/human rights either.

    • Dominic says:
      23 Nov23 November 09:10

      Wish all the best for you, Polly.

      However, I suspect the ‘pattern’ is that Singapore continue to be incredibly cautious to try to keep COVID infections down, rather than the Government being purposely malicious.

    • Dubious says:
      23 Nov23 November 09:21

      I saw that on the earlier post from Saturday you mentioned the place you are now staying. If I read it correct you are not on Sentosa but on the mainline in the east, in the hotel complex next to the water park.
      If this is correct and you desperately need anything besides boiled eggs (and freedom) I am happy to try dropping something off at the reception (assuming this is possible).

      • Dubious says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:26

        PS. Rob can pass on my contact email.

      • Axel says:
        23 Nov23 November 09:44

        Sentosa as in Pulau Belakang Mati?

        Think there is only one likely hotel she’s encamped in then.

        • Dubious says:
          23 Nov23 November 09:58

          Yes, the former home of Chia Thye Poh…before the island was redeveloped…

      • Polly says:
        23 Nov23 November 11:30

        Hi Dubious,

        Yes, spot on guess…am facing it! Thank you for your kind offer, will email Rob now.

        And thanks to all of you posters for the positive support messages, really really cheers me up….

        • Polly says:
          23 Nov23 November 14:46

          Dubious (don’t you just love the name)

          Thank you Dubious for the Milk and fresh fruit. Nice tray of pineapples and apples. What a treat… Imagine, my only concern being a decent cuppa while in here.. not really, but it helps to have real milk! Our hfp community is so great! Thank you

          Test and Trace called a while ago, asking where I was! Can you just believe that. I replied, l am where you locked me up, joking! She didn’t know l was in “the facility” . You really couldn’t make this stuff up!. Was actually really nice and has offered to liaise with case management ( the locker uppers ) tomorrow to see if an early release ( for good behaviour! l believe) might be on the table…who knows, they are the big bosses tho, she said. But anyway, it’s looking good, yesterday’s PCR neg for covid, yet again, but my CT levels are much better…tried to wangle a copy of my test result, but no luck. Will keep trying to trick someone into sending me a copy…
          Says she sees no reason why l can’t be at the hotel waiting for today’s results. Let’s see, 1 more day won’t bother me. Cheers.

          • The Savage Squirrel says:
            23 Nov23 November 16:47

            Reading this story of HfP readers coming to others’ assistance around the globe has made me smile.
            Nice work, Dubious., and much admiration for such a positive attitude Polly and good luck for tomorrow!

    • Cathy says:
      23 Nov23 November 09:26

      Morning Polly, your situation sounds absolutely horrendous, it’s a bonus that you appear so positive. Thank you for the updates keeping everyone informed as it is invaluable to others to have real information about incidents like this especially when you’re having to go through this. Hoping you get some positive news soon.

    • Lady London says:
      23 Nov23 November 19:23

      Excellent on the insurance companies Polly. A pity it’s not just one as tbey’d be even more annoyed and would follow up.

      Wondering if the tests there are oversensitivr just so someone in govt can show off what a fuss they’re making or if we in UK ae too casual and all tests should be that strict.

      The worst, of course, would now be if you actually start to show symptoms of Covid… then they will be able to say “I told you so”.

      Are other people leaving after shorter times than you?

      • Lady London says:
        23 Nov23 November 19:26

        PS John Oillila keeps very good tabs on this sort of thing in Asia and might have heard from other of his readers similarly trapped when reason is not clear.

    • Lady London says:
      23 Nov23 November 19:28

      Hmmm. HSBC *is* local there of course. If they smell a rat I’ll bet they have a fair idea which rat

      • Polly says:
        23 Nov23 November 23:53

        LL, all v valid points raised there. Must check his posts. The strange thing is, we have not heard or read of any of these issues, regarding these particular values they’re applying to tests on arrival. Do pax not question this? I immediately asked why, when l had an emailed negative test, stating quite clearly “no covid detected” why would people not question it? Strange silence on this issue.

        TBH, the lady who convinced me to come in (had no choice) did say l would only be in for a couple of nights til they got 2 x neg PCR and serology. Precautionary, which it probably was. No prob with 2, but 4-5 is a shock “ so you can get back to your holiday and enjoy Singapore ” was their line. A good one…

  • Gtellez says:
    23 Nov23 November 05:48

    I have earned my BA companion voucher around 4-5 days ago, but still not showing in my account (me neither the monthly batch of avios from Amex that usually arrives around the 20-21 each month). I don’t know if that is normal or related to all the BA upgrade system. Anyone else in the same position?

    • E says:
      23 Nov23 November 07:11

      Yes, me too. Am assuming it’s the upgrade problems. I don’t need the avios imminently so was going to give it a week or two to see if they did eventually transfer across.

      • C says:
        23 Nov23 November 07:23

        Yes! Amex confirmed by 241 was issued on 12th Nov but still not showing. They advised me to contact BA. Was going to try today but might give it another day or 2 until things are fully functional again. If anyone else calls sooner let us know what they say!

  • Jon says:
    23 Nov23 November 06:54

    Latest features of Ba.com upgrade – they moved my seats on my December JFK flight without emailing me and they deleted all my APIS info. I’d say “Pay peanuts; get monkeys” but I’ll bet they pay through the nose for these outsourced muppets

    • Paul says:
      23 Nov23 November 07:19

      Oops, saw this and thought I’d just check our December JNB… outbound still the same but return has moved us to 2 middles , no notification. Trying to move them back but ‘request a seat’ page has no plan showing, just current seat list and key to the non-existent plan….

      • Jon says:
        23 Nov23 November 07:25

        Yep, moved me to middles too (my wife gets sick landing backwards). We are now right at the back now so fingers crossed we get crew who give Gold first dibs on food choice

        • Nick says:
          23 Nov23 November 07:54

          An AGL platform update has absolutely nothing to do with a seat change. Sorry, but there’s no link, it’s not even the same system (seats are held in Amadeus). Much more likely is that you had an aircraft change (or sub-change) that’s caused seat allocations to drop out.

          • Jon says:
            23 Nov23 November 12:21

            That’s not what we are saying. The seats changed and no notifications were sent. That’s entirely possible that it’s linked to accounts being offline

          • ChrisC says:
            23 Nov23 November 14:46

            They don’t send emails when they change your seat.

            That’s been the situation for a very, very long time.

  • Terry S says:
    23 Nov23 November 07:04

    Hi. Anyone know if the BA lounge is open at DXB? Thanks

  • Gary says:
    23 Nov23 November 07:16

    For BAH bookings, paid a deposit (balance due 30 Nov) but now would like to cancel for a voucher? Can I do this online as couldn’t find the functionality anywhere? Any ways other than a phone call at 8am when they open?

  • Andrew says:
    23 Nov23 November 07:26

    If anyone’s got Selfridges gift cards to spend, from the recent Amex offer, the annual Christmas Comes Early up to 20% promotion starts tomorrow until 29 November:

    https://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/features/events/christmas-comes-early-code/

  • The Hunter says:
    23 Nov23 November 07:28

    ba.com….anyone else getting ‘Error 403 – You don’t have enough permissions to proceed further‘?

  • GERARD says:
    23 Nov23 November 07:47

    Morning, does anyone have an what Hilton’s/IHG Hotels have club lounges operating in London at moment ?

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

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