I'm an optimistic person, but just in case, I want to have a general plan if I or husband test positive for covid before our departure. I know the gist--United Airlines says change departure to ten days later, but I assume if you test negative before that, you may depart.
Since we are young and triple vaccinated, I can only assume we would have asymptomatic to mild cases. I feel like it would be the honorable thing to tell whomever I try to book with that I have covid if that were to occur, but some say I'm crazy and to just a book a place. Can anyone give me an idea of what to expect? Would the apartment owner likely tell me to buzz off, lol? I have a luxury rental picked out on the coast as my "just in case" so that is why I am trying to get a sense of the general feeling regarding covid among Spaniards working in the travel industry.
NOTE I fully intent to conduct myself respectfully if I get covid--mask up, keep my distance, do things outside, but as most everyone has had this already in Spain (whose vaccination rate dwarfs the US's) and there is no official isolation policy, I would like to make the best of it without offending anyone. It makes sense to extend my vacation and not huddle in a hotel in Madrid. Thoughts?
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
This is not a matter of locals or tourists, this is a matter of responsible people vs selfish mor0ns. It honours you that you consider this.
The feeling among most locals -at least in my neck of the woods- is (probably) similar to that elsewhere: due to the fact the Omicron variation is less aggressive and that, indeed, the vax index here is >95%, COVID is nowadays socially-accepted as a mild illness. Thankfully, it's far from the drama in 2020. Thus, much like if you have the flu, one tends to isolate for a few days when possible, and if one must go out do so with all the measures you mention. When one encounters an acquaintance that has COVID -and is out just for essentials, wearing a mask, maintaining distance and the lot- one's reaction tends to be quite understanding and without making any fuss.
As per your question regarding the apartment owner, that has no easy answer as it depends on the person. My thoughts though: I would imagine that there'd be no big fuss if you were to tell on arrival, but, what'd be the point? you are not 'living' with the apartment owner so you'd be putting no one at risk (in the apartment). If anything, I'd let the owner know on departure so a deeper cleaning can take place. In any case, it seems COVID virus mid-life on surfaces isn't as long as once thought.
PS: ... yet, would you be even allowed to travel if you are diagnosed with COVID? I might be wrong but aren't you supposed to present either your COVID passport or a negative PCR in order to fly in? https://www.aena.es/en/informationcovid19coronavirusairportsandflights.html check this for FAQ https://www.spth.gob.es/faq
Posted by
OP
4978 posts
Thanks, it helps to get a sense of how people are feeling about the situation, and I definitely want to be respectful. Hopefully it will all be for naught, and my trip will end uneventfully!
As I understand it and as my airline has communicated to me, I may enter Spain with proof of vaccination, no test needed. I have obtained my SPAIN TRAVEL HEALTH-SpTH QR code.
ETA, I am only concerned with testing positive before coming home to the US--I head over this week, and of course I would test before departure if I felt any symptoms, but I think covid has missed its chance to stop this vacation.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8883 posts
Posted by
OP
4978 posts
Thanks Carol, your information has been a valuable resource--I have it noted in case I need it. I am more trying to get a sense of how people view covid in Spain so I don't feel like an ogre if I try to book an apartment in the unfortunate even that I get covid while there.
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
@valadelphia, if I had to summarize it in a sentence I'd say: "we are pretty much in a business-as-usual mode of life"
Re: masks, they are only compulsory in public transportation (inside the vehicles but not at the station, as it was before) as well as in some businesses (it's up to the business to choose whether ask customers to wear the mask). Still, double-check this because there's no uniform policy and different areas of Spain have slightly different rules on this.