If you’re reading this, that means you’ve survived Corona. Congratulations on making it to the other side. As a COVID-recovered person, I’m glad you made it! Now to the matter at hand, there are very few articles on flight travel rules, especially for COVID-recovered people. While the number of recovered patients is high in the country, this slight oversight on part of the media, in general, is frustrating.
Here’s the general set of rules:
- Flight travel is allowed for people who have not tested positive in the 3 weeks before flying.
- Passengers need to submit a self-declaration that they’re either a) Not COVID positive or b) COVID-recovered and not tested positive in the last 3 weeks.
- If you’re a recovered person, you require a COVID recovered/discharged certificate.
Things to know:
- Check the state-specific rules; if you need a COVID-negative certificate before you fly.
- Ensure you web check-in 48 hours before the flight as it is mandatory. (Boarding pass is necessary even before you get into the airport.)
- Download the Aarogya Setu app, just in case.
- Respect social distancing.
- Don’t forget to use the mask, sanitizer, face shields and/or PPE gown (only for middle seat passengers) provided by the airlines.
- Only one hand baggage is allowed.
How to get COVID-recovered/discharge certificate
As I was on home quarantine (not that most hospitals generally provide something like this), I did not receive any certificate for recovered/discharged status. Though the district officer/hospital should issue it once you recover—many ignore it. So, if you were admitted, it is better to ask the hospital for this certificate. Or, simply get tested and ask a doctor to issue a certificate.
When I traveled, the airport officials never asked for my self-declaration or a copy of the COVID-recovered certificate. They take your declaration during web check-in in good faith. But that doesn’t negate the fact that you might need any of these documents any time during your travel. Better safe than sorry.
That said, just because you’ve recovered don’t be irresponsible and walk around ignoring the rules. My motto always is: Once positive, twice shy. 🙂