Vacation time – and unfortunately still Corona time. What happens if you get infected with Corona while on vacation? Here you will find tips on what to do after a positive corona test on vacation.
After more than two years of the pandemic, there is great joy that travel is again possible without any problems and that the entry rules are no longer so strict in many places. Unfortunately, Corona is not over, the incidences are high and the risk of contracting Corona while on vacation is particularly high this year.
If cold symptoms such as a sore throat, a runny nose or a slight fever appear on vacation, there is a great fear that it could be a corona infection. First of all, a corona test is important. Because not every cough or runny nose has to be Corona, even the “normal” cold and flu viruses are still in circulation.
However, if the rapid corona test shows a second line, you may be corona-positive – and the dream of a carefree holiday threatens to burst. In addition, there are suddenly many questions in the room: Do I have to self-isolate? Can I drive home by car? Who will bear the costs if I have to change the flight? Which insurance is helpful?
Positive corona test on vacation: what is important now
The most important thing after a positive corona test: stay calm!
What to do if the test is positive and what the infection means for your further vacation depends primarily on where you spend your vacation and how you travel – with a tour operator or on your own.
These three points are important now:
- You should self-isolate and avoid contact.
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Each country has its own regulations as to what applies in the event of a corona infection. If the rapid test is positive, you can find out about the current quarantine rules in your holiday country from the tour operator, landlord or online. You can find an overview below in the text.
- If the symptoms are severe, you should contact a doctor or the nearest hospital directly. If it is not an emergency, make an appointment in advance by telephone.
Corona on vacation: avoid contacts
In the event of a corona infection, contact the tour operator or your landlord. Hotels often have extra rooms available for the period of isolation and tour operators can help when it comes to postponing the journey home.
Consistent isolation is now important! Despite the corona infection, going for a walk on the beach in the evening or quickly getting something to eat is not a good idea and can expose other people to the risk of infection.
In countries where there is no obligation to isolate, the use of public transport may not be explicitly prohibited, but as a person who tests positive you may increase the risk of infection for others.
If you feel good and are driving your own car, there is nothing wrong with driving home. However, if the journey home requires stopovers, you should clarify in advance whether entry into the countries you are passing through is permitted. However, even on a road trip with stops, you put other people at risk of infection. It is also possible that your state of health will change during the trip.
Corona positive when traveling – do I have to be in quarantine?
Unfortunately, a general answer to this question is not possible, because different corona rules apply everywhere. In many countries you are still required to quarantine after a positive test result. How long the isolation lasts also depends on the holiday destination. More and more European countries are currently relaxing their corona rules and treating a corona infection like a “normal” cold.
Austria has now also relaxed the rules and defined isolation and quarantine as voluntary: Infected people are allowed to move freely in Austria, but they must wear an FFP2 mask.
If you become infected while vacationing on the Bavarian lakes or on the Baltic Sea – i.e. within Germany – the Infection Protection Act requires you to isolate yourself for five days. You are not allowed to leave your hotel room or holiday apartment during this time.
Here you will find an overview of the rules of some European holiday countries (status: 27.7.22). In the event of a corona infection, you should still research the detailed rules, especially since these can change quickly:
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Denmark: no more isolation requirement
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France: no more quarantine obligation
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Greece: 5 days self-isolation
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UK: no more isolation requirement
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Italy: 10-day self-isolation, those who are boosted can test themselves free on day 7 after 3 days without symptoms.
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Croatia: 10-day self-isolation for non-vaccinated and non-recovered, 7 days for recovered and vaccinated + 3-day mask requirement afterwards
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Norway: no more isolation requirement
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Austria: no longer compulsory to isolate, but FFP2 mask compulsory
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Portugal: 5-day isolation requirement for no or mild symptoms, for moderate or severe it is at least 10 days plus a negative test.
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Switzerland: no more isolation obligation
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Spain: no longer a general obligation to isolate, only those who have severe symptoms have to isolate themselves.
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Turkey: no more isolation requirement
Even where there is no longer an obligation to isolate, you should wear an FFP2 mask for a few days to be on the safe side in the event of illness, avoid contact with risk groups, do not attend mass events and reduce social life to a minimum. You are on the (relatively) safe side if you do a negative self-test after the first two days without symptoms.
Good to know: In the case of an official test, the authorities are usually informed. Anyone who then does not comply with the quarantine rules can be liable to prosecution and risk a high fine.
What if I get infected with Corona shortly before departure?
According to the Infection Protection Act, anyone who is infected with Corona at home before leaving for vacation must isolate themselves for at least five days. In addition, it is strongly recommended to repeatedly perform a rapid or self-test after the fifth day and to remain in isolation until the test is negative.
Whether you get reimbursed for the travel expenses depends on the respective cancellation regulations. Travel cancellation insurance, foreign travel insurance and special Covid insurance are helpful. Covid insurance covers extra costs for new flights and extra nights in the hotel. All insurances must be taken out before departure.
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