What happens if PCR tests are positive

[DesperateForSun]

We all had Covid a few weeks ago and are out of self isolation, but have to have clear PCR tests to travel next week. I know we are unlikely to have negative results but will test anyway as we’re all desperate for a holiday.

The only thing worrying me is if we get positive PCR tests are we obliged to self isolate again? Apparently the test providers inform the NHS and I don’t want to spend out precious family holiday time confined to the house (AGAIN!)

Does anyone know if we’re obliged to self isolate again despite the fact it’s just residual sensitivity of the tests?

Does the country accept lateral flow test? You could test yourself with those free nhs lateral tests and if negative then get one.
I need pcr but will test lft before. If it is positive I won't spend money on real test.

No you won’t need to isolate again. I stupidly took a test fir work a week after isolation had ended and was positive I had to speak to 119 who said no isolation. However track and trace still hounded me all week as no one has bothered to read the note that was on my file.

Thanks @Harrykanesrightsock, that’s reassuring.

@ruumis, it has to be PCR. We’re all negative on lateral flow, but PCR is more sensitive

We're in this situation returning from holidays, DS has tested positive (he had Covid last month) for the Day 2 test (negative for Day 5, which we did before we had the result for Day 2), and 119 said that a positive is a positive, so we're having to isolate... How weird that they told you the opposite, @Harrykanesrightsock! Wonder who is right!

@Fawful oh no! It’s so crazy isn’t it?

Can you get the certificate that says you had COVID, I think it's valid for 180 days after testing positive? I don't know much about it, but when I travelled, it asked for either PCR negative results, evidence of double vaccination or the 'recover' certificate (this was for travel to Balearics).

I’ve called 119 who said you don’t have to self isolate again within 90 days, but then also found this online. I don’t know what to do - if there’s any chance we can go then I’d love to, but I can’t make the kids self isolate again over nothing

@DesperateForSun I’m in the sane position. Me and my DH currently have Covid. We were hoping to go to Spain in around 1.5 weeks. I’m worried that the pcr test required to fly will be positive even though we are recovered and done with self isolation.

Are you travelling abroad? Is the issue about not being able to get on your flight or needing to isolate at your accommodation?

[quote XjustagirlX]@DesperateForSun I’m in the sane position. Me and my DH currently have Covid. We were hoping to go to Spain in around 1.5 weeks. I’m worried that the pcr test required to fly will be positive even though we are recovered and done with self isolation.[/quote]
You don’t need a PCR to go to Spain, just a lateral flow before you return and a day 2 PCR when you get back in which case I didn’t think you have to isolate a second time within 90 days.

The issue is less about not being able to travel for which we require negative PCR tests (which we’re realistic about), but then having to self isolate again here in the UK because of a positive PCR, even though it’s just the hangover from an old infection

Assuming you're considered not double vaccinated it will likely mean you have to self isolate.
Even the new rules only give exemption to double vaccinated or under 18s.

@drivinmecrazy the adults are fully vaccinated, it’s just whether a positive PCR = auto self isolation for the kids (who are the only ones testing )

@DesperateForSun if you get a positive pcr while abroad, do you need to isolate in the holiday place. Would they let you get on a plane?

@RestingPandaFace I’m not fully vaccinated yet so spain requires a Negative pcr test to get in the country. But my pcr will probably still be positive from this current infection.