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Probably redundant question regarding "document of recovery"

Hello everybody,

From reading other threads, and especially the helpful links about QuickMD and the CDC's guidelines, I think I've gleaned the answer to this, but am looking for clarity. I am due to fly from the U.S. to France in mid June, and return home in mid July. Let's say I test positive for Covid next week (unfortunately not unlikely, as my university is insisting on full faculty presence at indoor graduation this weekend....sigh). Fingers crossed it would be a mild case and I'd presumably be all recovered by the time I left for Europe.

Could I get the recovery letter from my home PCP, bring it with me, and simply show it to the airlines when returning home? Since it would be dated approximately late May/early June, it'd be within the 90 period. Could I then just skip the whole testing ordeal on my way home? As I understand it, the CDC discourages repeated testing for the follow-up 90 days---though I would continue to mask and be careful of myself and others.

THanks!
Caroline

Posted by
8257 posts

I am not an expert Caroline, but that is my understanding of the process.

Here is the quote from the CDC policy. The "instead" refers to a negative test 1 day prior to departure.

If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

Posted by
490 posts

I have Covid now - and have been researching this as we are due to fly to the USA in July. You need to be able to proove your positive test. For me it was easy as I tested positive at the border (with a home test) and NZ requires a follow up PCR test done by a lab to test the variant. That result will be my official positive test and my dr has already said he'll write me a letter if I need one

Posted by
446 posts

We used recovery letters from our physicians along with a copy of our positive covid tests (from a lab) instead of testing to return to the US from Argentina in January. Just present at airline check in. Very smooth and straight forward process.

Posted by
256 posts

Thanks, everyone --

I just had this same question. In order to return to the US, must one present a record of the positive test in addition to the Dr's note? I would guess so as it would show the date of the positive test, but confirming.

Posted by
1041 posts

Yes. Per CDC, "The positive test result and letter together are referred to as 'documentation of recovery.'"

Posted by
90 posts

I'm wondering about this, too, as my 23 y/o stepdaughter now has Covid & our family is traveling to Italy in July. Our August return flight will be within 90 days of her positive test, but it was a home test. Does she need to go get a PCR in order to get an acceptable 'document of recovery'?

It would be nice if the silver lining of her getting Covid would be avoiding the test to return in August.

Posted by
1041 posts

You need an official test, antigen or PCR (NAAT). An at home test doesn't qualify, unless proctored, since you need to have a document showing that positive result.