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Tested positive, RS tour in 11 days

Posted by (Central North Carolina, US) on

So, to make a long story short...

I tested positive for Covid using one of those at-home rapid response tests last Friday, May 13th. My wife tested negative. I immediately quarantined myself in our guest bedroom and we both wear masks throughout our house now. After a call to my family doctor, I was prescribed Paxlovid on Saturday and have been taking it now for 72 hours. My mild symptoms are all but a happy memory today. (although I still have a nagging cough) Obviously, I will continue to wear my mask for the next few weeks just to be safer for everyone around me.

We fly out of Raleigh-Durham airport on Friday, May 27th in the afternoon. My wife is quite worried that this will affect our tour but I have been assured by my doctor that I can get an official "Certificate of Recovery" from him 2-3 days before our flight and that should cover me for American Airlines as well as the RS tour manager when we meet her on May 29th.

My question to y'all is this. Should I be worried that my positive results from 4 days ago will mean our trip is doomed? Is the certificate of recovery ALL I will need to prove I am able to travel.

Posted by
16661 posts

MrB, I'm so sorry you caught the bug but happy to hear that you're feeling better!

Have you contacted the RS office with your question? They would be the people who will need to give you a definite answer. If you haven't done that yet, I'd do it ASAP. I'm sure you're very anxious to put your mind at ease, and I'll cross fingers that your trip is still "on".

"If you have general questions about the tours we offer, please see our Frequently Asked Questions, send an email to Tour Sales & Service (https://www.ricksteves.com/forms/contact-tour) or give us a call at 425 608 4217."

Posted by
32 posts

Thanks Kathy. I'll call them in three hours when they open for the day.

Posted by
8358 posts

Sounds as if you've been fortunate not to have worse symptoms.

As long as you test negative prior to leaving home, you should be good to go. It should be a non-issue.

Posted by
8952 posts

Take that certificate of recovery and proof of an official (not just home test) positive with you. It will save you from needing to test to return to the US.

Posted by
32 posts

Will do. I'm just worried that all my research and planning may be gone with a big POOF of a test result.
Grazie folks.

Posted by
74 posts

you will need a positive PCR test to accompany the letter of recovery, did you get one?

Posted by
8952 posts

It does not need to be a positive PCR test. It does need to be an official lab test , PCR or antigen will work.

Posted by
32 posts

I have an appt at my local Walgreens for tomorrow morning for a PCR test. Thank you both.

Meanwhile, I've decided to USE these next three days of isolation for re-reading my RS Italy tourbook and scan every single forum post for Venice, Rome, Florence, Assisi, Varenna and Monterosso. I'm turning up my trip research to full steam ahead!!

Posted by
16661 posts

I'm turning up my trip research to full steam ahead!!

That's the spirit! 👍

Posted by
593 posts

Perhaps your wife may need to take an "official" test again too?

Posted by
32 posts

So, I’ve attempted to call the RS office several times today but I’ve only been able to leave a message. It sounds as if they are completely SWAMPED with customers so I suppose it could be a couple of days before they get back with me. Thanks LizinPA. Now, I did see the new FAQs that said:

What if I've recently had COVID and test positive with my pre-tour test?

If you've had COVID between 14 - 90 days prior to the start of your tour, you may obtain a letter of recovery signed by your doctor that documents your illness and recovery. Bring this letter with you on tour and if your pre-tour test is positive show it to your guide. A COVID recovery letter will also allow you to fly back to the US if your pre-flight COVID test is positive.

Posted by
32 posts

Well, a nice guy named Steven called me from RS tours and confirmed that with a certificate of recovery in hand, I could take part in the tour. He suggested we keep our vaccination cards on hand as well (or course).

Posted by
32 posts

Just got my certificate of recovery from my doctor this morning. Leaving in three days!
** but not sleeping well due to stress levels **

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