Article Reflection No. 8 (5/7/2022)

Article: I’m Overseas and I’ve Tested Positive. What now?

This summer, my family and I are traveling to another country. At least, we’re planning to.

As someone who desires prudency, I want to be informed about the traveling requirements that have drastically shifted, left to right, throughout the coronavirus pandemic. For the purpose of being reminded of important takeaways when I look back on the article reflection, I will list some key components mentioned in Ceylan Yeginsu’s article.

1. Current Test Requirements to Come into the U.S.

• 2 or older must have test showing negative in one-day period from departure date (vaccinated or not)

→ Eligible methods of testing: PCR and viral tests; particular antigen/nucleic acid amplification self-tests (the latter two can be BinaxNOW and Ellume; these have been FDA-approved for emergency use, required a strong internet connection for a telehealth video service)

1. Quarantine

• CDC: at least 10 days after positive test (regardless of vaccination status, negative test during isolation, or symptoms)

*Note: different countries have different isolation periods, guidelines, and rules—check their health sites for guidance

• European CDC: if vaccinated, one can stop isolating if symptoms disappear and feel better for—at the minimum—24 hours + 2 negative tests in one 24-hour period

OR

One can stop isolating if there is a negative test after 6 days of isolation

Unvaccinated: should self-isolate for 10 days, but if meeting testing requirements listed above, can stop quarantining

• Asia: may require mandatory isolation in government provision or hotel dedicated to quarantine for at least 14 days

1. Document of Recovery

• When one tests positive for COVID-19, but feels little to no symptoms, a Document of Recovery can be obtained. This document allows a return to the U.S. without going through the days-long isolation. However, obtaining the components required for this document may take several days or weeks:

REQUIREMENTS for DOCUMENT OF RECOVERY:

1. Type of COVID-19 Test Taken

2. Positive Result Evidence (not “inconclusive” result evidence)

3. Name on Test(s) Must Match ID

4. Location of Test/Brand name of Self-test

5. Test Date (Within 90 Days)

6. Letter w/ Licensed Health Care Provider’s Signature Stating One is Clear for Travel (This provider may be one’s health care provider in U.S.)

→ (6) Some U.S. health care providers may require in-person meeting or may not be able to provide documentation outside of the country. Instead: Quick MD ($50-250 for local doctor); $75 for Quick MD)

(More info: CDC Airline Checklist)

In this article, I have learned of multiple resources that will help me and my family if obstacles are faced during this summer trip. I think an especially helpful resource was the Quick MD, which may be a fast, accessible way of obtaining a Document of Recovery even for those who do not have access to high-quality health care.

A swelling feeling of gratitude for journalists and writers resonated within me through this read. So many people dedicate their time, lives, and job to contribute for the better good by sharing resources, exposing people to various perspectives, and increasing societal awareness. The internet is a vast, dangerous place, and without these journalists and reliable news platforms, it would be very difficult to navigate through the spider-silk-like thin strings of yarn that define the countless number of websites today.

Photo Credit: USA Today