Traveling after COVID - how to handle pcr tests

[TyotyaKlava]

Hi all,

My family of four have all just had COVID, starting on 13 December with patient 0 (my youngest dd). We were supposed to travel to Mexico on 16 December but obviously couldn’t go. We rescheduled it for February half term, which hopefully goes ahead, but what to do with testing prior to the arrival back to the Uk and day 2 test to release? As it will be within 90 days post infection it will still show positive? Do we get a doctors note instead to say we have all had the infection and can it be replaced with pcr tests we need for traveling back to the Uk? (Mexico don’t need any testing upon arrival).
Thanks!

They will probably have got rid of that rule by then. Also you can order a postal test for return.

You won't necessarily test positive. Dd just got a PCR for Switzerland 6 weeks after positive PCR test and was negative.

You will test positive if the virus has integrated into your DNA. Apparently lots of viruses do this.

The government recommends using LFTs for your pre-departure (back to the UK) if you've recently tested positive. Plenty of companies who will send you a lateral flow test to pack in your suitcase and give you the certificate once you've tested.

Not sure about the day 2 test, sorry, but hopefully the fact that you're on record as having had a positive test already will help.

Although still possible to test positive so long after it is rare. February should be fine. We had covid over Christmas and were due to go away. We rescheduled our flights for 2 weeks later but have now cancelled them in case we test positive from our recent infection on our day 2 PCR test, which is a requirement at the moment. I spoke to test and trace who advised there are no exemptions in place and we would have to isolate again even though the PCR would only be picking up the previous infection. They may change the rules again so that you can choose to use a LFT but at the moment there is no way round it.