Isolating pre-travel to reduce risk of positive RAT
Apr 17, 2022, 12:31 am
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: NZ*GE
Posts: 184
The typical case timeline for vaccinated people these days with the omicron variant is:
Day 0: Exposure
Day 2: Contagious
Day 3: Symptoms
Day 4: PCR positive (until day 20+)
Day 5: Antigen positive (until day 13)
If this is a trip that absolutely cannot be delayed under any circumstances, you're looking at around 18 days. If you're willing to tolerate a small amount of risk, 10 days should be fine. Personally I would focus more on avoiding indoor situations with shared air, or wearing a high quality mask (N95) in those situations.
Day 0: Exposure
Day 2: Contagious
Day 3: Symptoms
Day 4: PCR positive (until day 20+)
Day 5: Antigen positive (until day 13)
If this is a trip that absolutely cannot be delayed under any circumstances, you're looking at around 18 days. If you're willing to tolerate a small amount of risk, 10 days should be fine. Personally I would focus more on avoiding indoor situations with shared air, or wearing a high quality mask (N95) in those situations.
Apr 18, 2022, 12:37 am
#17
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MSP
Programs: DL Plat, NZ Elite, QF Plat
Posts: 1,776
If you get COVID in the few weeks leading up to the flight I’d also be booking in a teleconsult with a GP on the day of departure in case your pre-departure RAT is still positive. That way you can get a medical certificate confirming you’re not symptomatic/infectious. And you can cancel the appointment if your RAT comes back negative. Caveat is pre-checking with the medical practice they can get the certificate to you before your flight.
Apr 18, 2022, 4:06 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: NZ*GE
Posts: 184
If you get COVID in the few weeks leading up to the flight I’d also be booking in a teleconsult with a GP on the day of departure in case your pre-departure RAT is still positive. That way you can get a medical certificate confirming you’re not symptomatic/infectious. And you can cancel the appointment if your RAT comes back negative. Caveat is pre-checking with the medical practice they can get the certificate to you before your flight.
Apr 19, 2022, 10:06 am
#19
Join Date: Apr 2008
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 226
I am basically doing this for the second time in a year, before surgery. Have PCR test before.
Got all my groceries and medicines delivered. Washed hands thoroughly many times a day. Hand gel when out.
Did not go to stores or people's homes, let alone restaurants.
Walked outside for exercise.
Wore KN95 or N95 mask to medical appointments. Avoided public transportation or outdoor crowds.
Worked first time, hope it does this time.
Got all my groceries and medicines delivered. Washed hands thoroughly many times a day. Hand gel when out.
Did not go to stores or people's homes, let alone restaurants.
Walked outside for exercise.
Wore KN95 or N95 mask to medical appointments. Avoided public transportation or outdoor crowds.
Worked first time, hope it does this time.