What happens if you test positive at the Pharmacy?

People do not need to scramble. If you can't find a place where quarantine, you'll be taken to a "Covid hotel" in the outskirts.

There are going to be few instances where you can’t find any accommodation in a town/city, even at short notice - look at Booking.com, VRBO, Trip Advisor Rentals etc. If the worst comes to the worst, Airbnb is an option. Cost is probably going to be more of an issue than availability.

This is why I dont like the idea of testing at the airport hours before my flight. I’d hate to be standing in an airport with luggage and nowhere to go to sit and figure this out!

Instead, I suggest to test as early as allowed before your flight. That means the morning before. That way you have your current hotel for one night and have some time to find something and a place to work on your plan. As soon as the test turns up positive, get on every booking sight you can think of and start looking. You should be able to find something starting the next day.

This is also why I will only test using Binax Now's proctored test kit. If I'm positive, I want to be able to make arrangements before I go somewhere to confirm with a PCR test. I don't want any authorities to swoop down on me and whisk me off to a quarantine facility before I've had a chance to gather my thoughts.

So, Does the pharmacist give the test over to the government? Do they ask you where you are staying? I do plan to test the day before the official test to give me time to find someplace. I will most likely do research now on Airbnb’s.

so, would you go ahead and book a place the day before the formal test?

would you go ahead and book a place the day before the formal test?

Lulu, it might be harder to find one that would let you cancel without penalty - possible a substantial one - on very short notice so I personally wouldn't do that.

Wondering what happens if one person tests positive and their travel partner does not? Are they required to get separate accommodations?

Kathy, what you you do, then? I’m just to get everything organized for a Plan B.

Lulu, we leave on Sunday for our trip (myself and my 18 year old daughter). We will be there for a good amount of time. Four weeks. Our plan is to test periodically through out the trip with the Binax Now rapid test. Just in case. I also have the Binax Now proctored test (6 pack) for the "official" results to submit to United for departure. In the eventuality that one or both of us test positive at any time with the regular over the counter test, we then have the proctored test to take and start the clock, so to speak. My goal is to keep the Italian government out of the mix. Yes, my carry on bag will be full of covid tests but I would rather have a heads up and time to make my own arrangements then be whisked away to a covid hotel. Ugh!

Lulu, I might research a list of some possible accommodations so you can book any one of them quickly if needed if they have an opening? It's just sort of unfair to the host to make a reservation that might be cancelled at the last minute unless, of course, their cancellation policy is designed to cover the lost income if you do.

I guess it would be a matter of how much you're willing to pay for an accommodation you might never see the inside of? Every place is different but at least one of our rentals here in the States keeps the deposit - due within 48 hours of booking - if cancelled 3 days prior to arrival, and full cost of the reservation is non-refundable applied if cancelled under 3 days of the stay. That's what I mean by covering for lost income.

LizUSA, I think that decision would be up to the travel partners. It is a good idea to think through in advance so you aren’t making major decisions in a moment of stress.

My adult son and I are traveling to the UK the first week of May. My plan is if I were to test positive and he tests negative, to have him travel home as planned since he has work commitments. I would stay until permitted to fly home. If he tests positive and I am negative, I will stay since the mother in me would struggle leaving a “sick child” behind. Makes no sense, I realize it, but the mother instinct is strong…….

The reality is that travel during the time of Covid carries risks both health wise, time wise, and financially. The traveler needs to be prepared for the unexpected, but enjoy the trip fully.

Carol, no need to apologize for not wanting to leave a sick chick behind, no matter HOW old your chick is. 🐥
Pretty sure every mom on this forum would feel the same.

Does the pharmacist give the test over to the government?

Yes, they do. Otherwise testing would be pointless. At the Airport they'd also warn the immigration desk. You must tell any AirBnB / Hotel / Hostel you are positive and they have the right not to let you in.

My wife and I have purchased the eMed virtually-proctored at-home COVID-19 tests (BinaxNOW) for use as our test for our return flight. My sister recommended this firm to me; she has used the firm several times when returning from Europe. We are scheduled for a RS tour finishing up in Rome next month.

Does anyone have any info on this question: If you test positive in this eMed proctored test, are the Italian authorities somehow informed of the result ? (other than by my wife and I informing them)

Jennifer, would you please explaining to me.
1. If you take the proctored test, how does that keep,the Italian govt. out of it?
2. Let’s say you test positive and take the test 5 days before departure, what does that 5 days do? Is it amount of time you have to wait before being allowed to get on a plane and the 5 days is part of that.

I was planning on taking 3 tests for each of us (we are taking 2 adult sons). I’m very interested in what you are doing.

Kathy, just trying to figure out where to go and what to do so we don’t have to go to a Covid hotel. If one of us tests positive, then we have to stay at a place we reserve. We wouldn’t be cancelling. I wasn’t planning on reserving someplace beforehand, but reserving at the last minute.

Lulu, the proctored test is done in the privacy of your hotel. The government is not notified. If you get tested at a pharmacy or the airport, then you are on their radar. I would rather have a little time to make my own arrangements. Our trip is a month long, so technically we could get the virus early on and clear it by the time to return home. But there is the chance you could continue to test positive. That is my fear. In the event that happens, my doctor said she would do telehealth visits and issue medical clearance if we are symptom free (also bringing a thermometer). If you have a positive test within 90 days of travel, then you don't need a negative test to get on the plane. The CDC accepts the positive test (to document that you were actually positive within their time frame) AND a medical clearance letter. That is why we are going to test periodically throughout our trip. If we are positive at any point, then we can do the proctored test to "officially" start the clock. But it will be our clock and it will give us time to make quarantine arrangements. I do not want to be in a covid hotel. Also, if only one of us is positive then the other is free to leave the room. Masked of course, as this is allowed. I'm desperately hoping our government will drop the entry test requirement and this is all moot. Fingers Crossed.

How long is the quarantine period after you were to test positive (if you even were)? Or, do you just have to keep testing, say, after 5 days, until your test shows up negative? I have read that you can still test positive for an extended period and hence, the reason you are going to arrange, in advance, a telehealth visit to obtain a medical clearance letter from your doctor (I assume this is via zoom?)

But...will your doctor write a letter and email it to you and is that what you would take, in a worst-case scenario, to the Italian authorities to show them you are cleared to travel. And where does one actually go to turn in this letter or is this all done online?

This all sounds like a good back-up plan but I am fuzzy on the details.

Yes, the appointment would be a zoom call. I would show my positive proctored test result to document the date and have my check-up. The medical clearance is e-mailed and that is what you bring (with the positive test) to the airport and present at check-in. Now, this is where it gets sticky. The CDC states in the international travel section:

"You tested positive for COVID-19.
Do not travel until a full 10 days after your symptoms started or the date your positive test was taken if you had no symptoms."

They take into consideration when your symptoms start, not just your positive test. Because you are contagious days before the symptoms start, if they start at all. Side Note: I find it interesting that the CDC guidelines for quarantine, if you are positive, regardless of vaccination status, is 5 days in this country. They even say not to retest after day five if symptom free. Because you can continue to test positive.

Additionally if you purchased travel insurance, check your policy on how to activate the quarantine coverage. Mine requires not just notification that you are quarantining, but official documentation from a health care provider that you can not travel. I called and asked for details and was told a "government decree or medical documentation" was needed. I asked specifically if the CDC declaration was enough and was told no.

Hi, so I too am on an RS tour in May to Italy. I am interested in your ideas about the Binax test. Can you do the zoom proctored test using your cellphone then? Do you receive results on the phone that the airline/USA will accept? Our airline rules state that we must get tested 1 day before we leave. Was going to just go to a pharmacy, but self-testing seems smarter. Did you all use the Abbott BinaxNow Emed test?***

Yes, you can do the test on your phone, tablet or laptop. I'm using my laptop and will have the hotel print it out. I don't know if the airline will accept the digital version on your phone. My interpretation is that they want a printed copy. I'm flying United and used the link through their travel ready center to the eMed site. You have to fill out a questionnaire and wait for approval. They want to know why you want the test and who will be using it. If approved, they "issue" a prescription for the registered users. Approval took a few minutes. Then you are able to make the purchase. Shipping was super quick. However, you have to register with Navica and the instructions say you have to do it before you travel. I don't know what difference that makes but that's what it says. Each user needs to register with Navica but one person can be the manager of the main account. I know it sounds like a lot, but it wasn't that bad.

Also, I submitted the receipt to my prescription plan, and they reimbursed me half. They told me they will only cover $12.50 per test reimbursement if purchased and them submitted. I was happy with that. Every little bit helps.

Thank you Jennifer. I was able to register and order the tests, and add the Navica app to my phone. Had not thought about needing a printed cooy, so good to know I may have to have the hotel print for me.

If one of us tests positive, then we have to stay at a place we
reserve.

If only one of you tests positive and the others are negative they can go home. They certainly shouldn't be isolating with someone who tested positive.
I believe your group is all adults. I can see one other person staying behind but not necessary for ALL of you . You are putting the whole party at risk of turning positive and probably extending your isolation stay by days.

@Jennifer,
Thank you for your detailed help. I’m still confused about the Binax proctored tests. I thought you just ordered them, and took them with you. Took the test, printed a copy and showed it to the authorities at the airport. You mention having to register on the airline app? This is what is confusing me.

The NAVICA app is what you use when you are taking the test with the online proctor, it’s not an airline app
Order the tests online, have them shipped to you
Download the NAVICA app and set up your account before you leave

Open the NAVICA app and login to your account, begin your test
Results will be emailed to you ( you can then ask your hotel to print)

Do not open the test box until the proctor instructs you to do so, that will invalidate the test

I am sure there is a youtube that walks you through the whole process

ETA
Here is one, haven’t viewed myself
https://youtu.be/HyjniJGZmLQ

Thank you Christina! I’m waiting to order these until after the 20th this month or around that time, in the event that our administration changes our mandates beginning in May (I know, unlikely). But I believe these tests are fairly expensive and I need four.

Don't delay too long. They were on backorder when I went to order about 2 months ago. I was able to get them a few weeks later.
They come in 2 pack or 6 pack ( IIRC the 6 pack is a better deal than just getting two 2 packs) We plan to use one set as a practice before we go.

You might also want to set up all your accounts on the QuickMD app for the "doctor visit' to get recovery letter. I found the app easier to use then doing it on the website on my iPad. Each person needs their own account. Use your home address.

Bookmark this thread with Carol's QuickMD info- scroll down
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/tested-positive-before-flight-how-long-to-stay-in-france

Once you isolate for five days, who do you get your doctors note from? A medical service? An Italian doctor?

How soon can you get an airline ticket home when you test positive, can you immediately switch to a ticket that is five days from your positive test and hope you get the doctors note in time? Or should you wait to book?

Would you fly out on day 5 or day 6?

Sorry I'm just nervous about having an exit plan for my trip in May. I was trying to let my work know my covid positive plan but I was vague about it because I just don't know the specifics.

Alexandra-
Please read thru the thread linked just above

Ah thank you, sorry I missed it.

More info in this forum
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/covid19

Lulu, sorry about the confusion with the Navica registration. I mentioned it because I had the tests for a few weeks before I read the fine print realized there was an extra step in the process. I originally thought everything was done through eMed.

This thread has so much valuable information, but is making me very anxious at all we need to do and know. I will order those Binax tests today, but now I don’t know if they will be here in time as we leave in 4 weeks.

Is this the one to order?

https://www.emed.com/?hsLang=en

Thats the one

Thanks! I think I’ll go ahead and order. Can I purchase them for everyone, then they register on emed after?

Yes
They come in 2 packs or 6 packs
Everyone then downloads the NAVICA App and sets up their accounts ( not with emed ) on the device they will take to Italy
(My husband and I have it on both of our iPhones and iPads that we are traveling with)

They don’t have to have test with them to set up the account, just have that done before you go to Italy

Lulu, when I purchased the eMed tests, they wanted the information as to who will be using the tests because they issue a prescription for those people. Not sure what would happen if you didn't give that info and then had someone "unauthorized" use it. That is the reason why I didn't realize registration with Navica was necessary at first.

I sent some questions to emed, this was their response. I hope this is helpful. So, it looks like I need to download the NAVICA app while I’m still home. I liked that it was only 3 days to receive, so I might wait.

Yes, you can share the 6PACK with anyone. You can even share it with 6 different individuals. Each of them and you have to create a personal NAVICA ACCOUNT on the NAVICA APP or in our site at EMED.COM when you start the test. The NAVICA app is the one used to be tested. As soon as you log in, you will be tested with the proctor`s assistance, There´s no need of booking an appointment for the test because we are available 24/7.

You can also have only an account and add your family members to that one as MANAGED PROFILES. When you create the NAVICA ACCOUNT, you go to account in and look for the "managed profiles" section. You can add as many people as you need. When you add them, please log off for 15 minutes for the change to happen.
*Or you can go to https://www.mynavica.abbott/ and create your account and also the managed accounts.
*All of you can not be tested at the same time. It has to be one by one.

THE NAVICA ACCOUNT CAN`T BE DOWNLOADING OUTSIDE THE US. (but you can go to EMED.COM and login with NAVICA. It is the same process )

Remember that we work 24/7, so in case you have any other doubts, please reach to us at 1-866-955-1173.

NOTE: Normally, the six-pack arrives the next night via overnight shipping, but due to high demand, it may arrive 48 to 72 hours after purchase.

Best regards,

You can also have only an account and add your family members to that
one as MANAGED PROFILES. When you create the NAVICA ACCOUNT, you go to
account in and look for the "managed profiles" section. You can add as
many people as you need.

Good to know. I will edit my post to reflect this. It was unclear when I set up our accounts.

Each person DOES need their own account for QuickMD

Ughh, just reading this has made me feel even more anxious about our trip. In comparison, I clearly don't have it together but am trying to digest the info in a constructive way. I think up until now I've been in a bit of denial. Now more than ever I am wishing hard that they drop the return entry test requirement. Is there a Saint that I can pray to? :-)

Saint Jude, Patron Saint of Lost Causes

Haha, Christine! Yes, that is just the perfect Saint for me! I am making him my screen saver as we speak!

@joeandrose - I am right there with you. And @C)hristineH - too funny. :) Sometimes I wish there were "like" and "haha" buttons on here.

Question - My travel insurance, and I suppose most others with covid coverage, require a doctor's sign off that you tested positive and were not allowed to travel. Would QuickMD meet that requirement?

Don’t get discouraged. This information is not as difficult as it is made out to be in this thread. The good news is that people are planning ahead and thinking through their options. I applaud the proactive approach.

The bad news is that some people are not really reading through the answers that are already on the forum and make this situation far more confusing than it needs to be. When the same question is asked over and over it makes it appear as if there are no answers. On the other hand, we want the forum to be a welcoming place where people can get help and have their questions answered.

My suggestions:
1. Decide in advance if you can accept the possibility that your trip may not go as planned. You may end up with an interrupted itinerary, additional time overseas, and additional costs. If you are ok with this, proceed.
2. Prepare a few “what if” plans. Know who will take care of things at home or at work. Pack some Covid tests, a thermometer and contact info for your dr or a telemedicine service. Have some electronic entertainment or books. Bring a few OTC meds for symptom relief. Have enough room on your credit card to cover additional unforeseen expenses while you wait for your travel insurance policy claims to process.

3. If you test positive, follow the local requirements of your host country. Don’t assume that each country requires the same or that requirements may not have changed. Get a documented test to start the clock ticking for a certificate of recovery. You can get a certificate of recovery 5 days after your documented test if you have no symptoms or decreasing symptoms. Be in touch with your airline.

Does this sound fun? No. Is it something you can do if necessary? If the answer is yes, take your trip. If no, or intensely stressful to think about, consider rescheduling.

@Joeandrose, I agree it’s making me very anxious. But we leave in 28 days and especially with the mask mandate extension, I’m not as positive that the whole thing will be dropped.

I just can’t decide if I want to spend $150 now to buy those tests or not. I’m afraid if I wait until the end of April, they won’t get here in time, even though they say 72 hours. I’ve been reading , but have definitely put off any hard plan into place.

I think I’ll feel better just making sure I have the steps down. I called my travel insurance company today to see if we were covered if we tested positive and we are, only $250 per day/$2,250 max per person.

I find it overwhelming, but I keep telling myself how lucky we are to not have to test to go there.

@lulu348, your travel insurance seems like a good one for covid coverage, do you mind sharing which one it is? Mine only covers up to $200/day, and up to a certain amount for the whole insured party, there’s no individual maximum coverage. I am using Berkshire Hathaway extracare. TIA!

@Dario. Do all areas of Italy have these COVID hotels? We'll be in Sicily. Not planning to catch COVID, but just making sure I have our bases covered. Who pays for the hotel and food delivered? What type of hotels are used? Thanks

@marshy, I used Allianz. When I asked if that $2,250 max was per person, he said yes. However, you could tell it was a call center, probably India. I’m going to call again and check. I’ve noticed with airlines and I’m sure many travel type agencies, getting back up to speed and training is slow.