As countries prepare for COVID-19 to shift from a pandemic to an endemic, many regulations regarding traveling and testing are shifting to accommodate a new normal. This means that depending on the situation, you may be traveling for work, leisure or simply just to get home. However, different destinations currently still have different regulations in place to contain the spread of the virus. Some places require tests before flying, some require a period of quarantine, while others may have dropped all restrictions.
Here are some top tips to navigating post-lockdown traveling for that stress-free traveling experience!
Who Will Need a Test to Travel?
The global population is currently divided into two main groups of people – the fully vaccinated and those who are not. Being vaccinated means that you are likely to have greater resistance against the virus and possibly an easier time getting approval to travel. Vaccine passports are necessary to cross certain borders, but most places will still require an additional coronavirus test one to three days before your flight as proof of a clean bill of health.
Where Are You Able to Find a COVID-19 Test Before or After Your Travels?
Many places now host rapid testing services. These include testing centers, hospitals, travel clinics, pharmacies, and even some airports. Tests can either be done on the spot by the healthcare service provider or at home. Home test kits are currently available with prescription and can be delivered to your house to maximize efficiency and lower chances of exposure. Similarly, over the counter prescription kits can also be purchased for a convenient test during your trip if you are traveling somewhere that you might not have easy access to COVID-19 diagnostic services.
What Kind of COVID-19 Test Will You Receive?
There are two main types of COVID-19 tests – the antigen test that measures the levels of live viral fragments and the antibody test that looks out for the number of antibodies against COVID-19 that your body has. If given a choice, opt for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or other antigen tests as they will be more reliable in determining your current level of infectiousness. This is not to say that antibody tests are not useful. Antibodies take around one to two weeks to fully form and may stick around in the body long after the virus has already been eradicated. This means that instead of highlighting your current status that is relevant for the flight, the antibody test may instead reflect your complete past experience with coronavirus.
How to Time Your Coronavirus Test?
If you have no choice but to have an antibody test, it is best to ensure that you take the test at least a week after the onset of any symptoms or after any form of exposure. If you are taking an antigen or PCR test, after taking note of the amount of processing time, it would be best to take the test one to three days before to ensure sufficient time for the release of your results.
For more questions about the different testing methods or which one may be most suitable for your company, contact us today for more information.
