It’s been four months since I last saw the sun. On good days there was something like light for three hours in Hamburg.
This winter was particularly ugly – not white, but dingy grey. And at the beginning of February it was far from over. So: Off to the sun, to the sea, to the Emirates. For the flight to Dubai I need a PCR test, maximum 48 hours old on arrival.
The test must be negative. He has to, otherwise the vacation will be in the bucket. I play it safe, stay at home before the trip. self isolation. The fridge is full. Anything missing, I’ll have it brought to me.
February 13: On the day of the PCR test, 28 hours before departure, I am certain: no contacts, no symptoms. Fits.
The negative test result is now more important than the passport. Forgot cash? Lost suitcase? doesn’t matter. The main thing is that you come in. On the plane. In the country. I’m double vaccinated, boosted.
So: If anyone can be sure, it’s ME.
Sunday afternoon, I’m sitting in the test area of the Altona hospital and I’m getting the smear test done. Result after a maximum of 28 hours. Cost: 80 euros.
February 14, 11 a.m. I check the QR code of the test provider “Medilys”: Sample not evaluated yet. My plane leaves at 9 p.m., I still have time. I’m slowly starting to pack. Around noon I’ll update the PCR test website.
The result is there. PCR test positive!
I’m stunned, can’t believe it, won’t believe it. Although PCR test results are considered very reliable, false positive results cannot be ruled out.
I’ll book a new test immediately. Cost: 177.01 euros! Result: after six hours at the latest. Exactly the time I need to be at the airport for check-in. I’m betting that it will go a little faster.
A PCR test that delivers the result after just three hours costs 265.27 euros. With a bit of luck, you used to fly all the way to New York.
Flying and traveling were an integral part of my life before Corona: freedom, education, work. Book your flight, board, arrive, done. A bit like taking the S-Bahn. Nowadays, before every flight, I feel like my first trip. You stand at the check-in desk with printed slips of paper – it’s better to be safe – hoping to have everything you need with you.
At 1:13 p.m. this Monday, I’m back in the Altona hospital, in the same test center – 22 hours after my last test, showing my passport, sticks in my nose and goodbye.
Back home, I continue packing, updating the website every ten minutes with the status of my findings. Less than an hour and a half later, the result is in: NEGATIVE!
I knew it! Off to the airport, onto the plane to Dubai. Sunny days, no symptoms, nothing. And no test requirement for the return flight.
During my vacation, two letters from the authorities fluttered into my mailbox, dated February 17th: the “confirmation of the obligation to separate” by February 24th – and my convalescent card, valid from March 14th.
this is tomorrow