Tested Positive
Well – the dreaded result. It has finally happened that I now know what it means to test positive in destination and not being able to return home or more so, continue on my journey. I went to Europe on an almost 3-week adventure to Italy, then the United Kingdom, both on work and pleasure! I tested before leaving the United States for Italy. It was a wonderful time in Italy at a work function and then I traveled along to London. London has removed all restrictions and I didn’t have to test to enter the country. My family came to the UK, we had a lovely “personal” vacation before starting my next “work” trip in London. The family went home and then I got a cold. Of course, I then tested and lo and behold more than 2 years into this “COVID” situation and …. I tested positive – now what? Well, I didn’t continue on my work trip at this point first off.
Step 1 – Medical Attention
Make sure you don’t need medical attention. I was completely fine with a bit of a runny nose and slight scratchy voice. It truly felt like a cold. But as we all know, COVID affects everyone differently, so that’s step one. (TIP #1) Hopefully by now you know, you need travel insurance in case this happens to you. So be sure that you get that (ask me, I will help you get it when you book your trip). Travel insurance will ensure you have medical coverage out of the country as well as cover expenses if you caught in the country longer than planned. If you are not in need of medical attention, on to step 2.
Step 2 – Get Your Test Verified
Get your positive test verified. You will need this for a couple of reasons. (Tip #2) After you test positive and have proof, if you travel again in 90 days, you will not need to test to come back to the USA. You will just need your first test that shows positive within the last 90 days. So be sure that you have a piece of paper with the test result. You will also need the positive test (usually verified by a doctor (even an Emed doctor) for the insurance claim.
Step 3 – Settle In
The next step is the hardest part for sure. Now you have to quarantine in destination. Now, I was in London and they didn’t have this rule, but most countries do. I was allowed to go out for a walk, get supplies, and more. But I mostly stayed in my room. (TIP #3) Be sure you bring your laptop with you. This way you can still work in destination. (TIP #4) Pack cold medicines and tests with you. There are several reasons for this. One, so you have those things handy if you do get COVID and need them. But the tests as well so you have them in your room to know when you are finally testing negative (or positive) if you are suspicious.
I always recommend to my clients that they purchase emed tests that are approved for travel and bring those in their carryon as well, 2 per person. They are temperature sensitive, so don’t pack them in your luggage. You can get these approved tests at www.emed.com Hopefully you have Netflix or some downloaded series (depending on the country you are in) as if you are in a country that their native language is not English, its hard to find things on TV. You will have some time to kill. I binged Bridgerton during my stay!
(TIP #5) Maybe have an exercise app on your phone and/or laptop and bring along some bands in your luggage just in case. (TIP #6) Eating room service in your room can get pricey. If you cannot get out of the hotel (such as in London), you might want to check out Uber Eats or Door Dash (the equivalent in your country). There are also food delivery services that could be some basic staples to help you not have to eat all that room service while you are in quarantine. Save all of your receipts to submit to your travel insurance claim.
Step 4 – Returning Home
Probably the most stressful part of the process….how do I get home now? Breathe! All be well. People can test positive for weeks (and/or a month), so another reason for that positive test result is that after 10 days (or 5 days in most cases) you can get a letter of recovery to fly home even if the testing is still showing positive. The tele-med doctor could be your ticket home. So if you no longer have symptoms and you are past that 5 days, I would certainly do the tele-med doctor to get back to the United States. I recommend www.quick.md
Now, of course, I hope no one has to go through this, and its still recommended to wear your mask while out of the country, but if you do go through this process, hopefully this will help you to feel not so “unsure” of what is happening in your life. Its not that bad. You might get some relaxation, and (TIP #7) try to be in a hotel that you will like for 5 or more days. Most of the hotels will offer a discounted rate if you get stuck there, but no guarantees on that obviously.
I hope you found this helpful and hopefully the rules and regulations of coming back will be easing soon and this blog will be irrelevant, but if you are ready to explore this amazing world, reach out below!
