Although you may be doing all of the right things- social distancing, covering your mouth when you cough, wearing a face mask, disinfecting surfaces and avoiding large crowds, you can still catch COVID-19.  The worst part, as shared by one traveller, is that you may not even know you it.  

The journey outside Cayman

According to the traveller, the journey took him to Mexico, Cuba, Central and South America.  No COVID-19 related issues were experienced on these outgoing legs. 

In fact, the COVID-19 requirements were met for each destination and tourist activities were enjoyed thoroughly and safely.

PCR tests were also done where required for specially arranged functions.

PCR test not required for every destination

The traveller noted however, that, while a negative PCR test was required for some destinations, it was not required for all. 

The variation was that, in the place of the PCR test, some countries only required proof of full vaccination, the definition of which the traveller says is now changing.

It used to be the case that the full vaccination course was two doses of Pfizer or another approved vaccine.  However, some countries are changing the rules to state that a full vaccination course will be two doses plus the booster.  That’s three shots for something we don’t even know is going to be effective against future variants.

He said.

Seeking to comply with the rules, the traveller said that he completed a PCR test on the return leg to the Cayman Islands, at which time he discovered that he was positive for COVID-19.

I didn’t really have the symptoms that medical professionals advertise.  Just a stuffy nose.  I just felt like the air condition system in the hotel room may have been a little too cold and caused me to get a little stuffy.

He explained.

More inconvenience than frustration

After testing positive though, the hardest part was having to adjust all plans, including meetings for work.

In relation to airline tickets, he said he was dreading having to pay a fee or other penalties for changing travel plans.  Fortunately, the charges did not apply, presumably because he bought a ticket with flexible terms, allowing him to change without penalties.

It is more about the inconvenience of having COVID-19 and the frustration you feel having to rearrange everything.  I had to ask myself, you know, after doing everything right and following all of the roles, where was the slip up that exposed me to COVID-19?

He said.

Adding to the frustration was the lack of posted information at the hotel and absent guidance from the well-known hospital which completed the PCR test.

The isolation period

Having resorted to government advisories on the internet to confirm the next steps and quarantine locations, the traveller said he spent the isolation period in a hotel approved by the overseas government.

He explained that the hotel was not cheap any measure. 

It was like one of those old, well-kept hotels where you find old money.

But I’m not rich.

He said.

Putting this into perspective, one queries how governments decide which establishments to authorise as places of dwelling, with the full cost to be borne by the tourist.  What if the authorised place is way above the budget of the traveller, for example?  Will the traveller spend all of his or her vacation money on quarantine and then have to board the next flight back home due to lack of funds after exiting quarantine?   

It is an important point to ponder, unless this is unimportant to stakeholders because they are not trying to attract poor or medium income travellers to their destination.

Regarding this, the traveller said he had his own view.

He said:

Poor people travel too. 

I know people who have saved a long time just to take a trip.

The trip itself is a luxury for them.

It is also a form of stress relief.

Since they are willing to spend a portion of their savings to travel, we should have affordable accommodation options when it comes to isolation.

Home

Finally arriving home in Cayman, the traveller said he was relieved to be around familiar faces. 

“Knowing who to contact, where to find information and not having to translate from different languages to understand protocols or next steps, are all priceless,” he said.

Notwithstanding his experience, the traveller said he is ready for his next trip, but maybe this time… to Cayman Brac.

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Originally Appeared Here