Affiliation:
1. Department of Paediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children’s Hospital, Hong Kong, China
2. Department of Paediatrics, CUHK Medical Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Abstract
Abstract:
Coronavirus diseases, from SARS to MERS and now COVID-19, have major implications for the aviation industry and international travels. Although many cities and countries are
adopting ‘live with COVID’ strategies, various rules and regulations are still in place. Documents
demonstrating COVID-19 vaccination or recovery from the disease have now become a basic requirement to enter many travel destinations, while some still require pre-entry and/or post-arrival
testing of COVID-19. Recently, the author’s household became COVID-19 positive in late March
2022, as diagnosed by rapid antigen test (RAT), in Singapore whilst enroute to Hong Kong. This
had an immediate knock-on impact on hotel quarantine and travel arrangements. Rapid antigen test
(RAT) and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based tests have been used for quarantine, isolation
and international travel purposes. The implications and issues of these tests are discussed. Ideally, a
COVID-19 test that is fit for purpose should aim at identifying individuals who are infectious with
risk of transmission only. Frequent surveillance with an effective RAT may be a more practical solution to normalize international travel without compromising public safety. Meanwhile, physicians
have an important role in counselling anxious and often confused travelers before and during international travels. International travelers should be aware of the implications of these COVID-19 testing results, and plan, schedule and have travel insurance accordingly
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine