Qantas Past Positive Medical Clearance form

[sudoer]

Wondering if anyone can share experiences with the Qantas past positive medical clearance form.

I've recently recovered from the spicy cough and no longer have symptoms but still return a faint positive on RAT tests. I understand this situation to be the exact reason the past positive form exists. Yet the the form itself contains a rather non-sensical checkbox on page 4 for "flights from Australia" mentioning a negative RAT or PCR result being needed at the end of isolation. ¿Qué



Presumably my GP will not check this box as I haven't (and can't) return a negative test. So what happens if I then submit this to Qantas? Will they allow boarding for an ex-Australia flight even without this box ticked?

The SG PDT exemption checklist confirms I am eligible to enter Singapore without a pre-departure test and mentions a medical discharge memo from a state authority being acceptable.



NSW Health have issued me with a printable Medical Clearance Notice which includes my name, DOB, address, dates of required isolation and date of isolation release - this should satisfy option A.

I will obviously submit the Qantas form as well, but will take along the NSW Health and a print out of the SG gov advice as a backup...

 

[Katie]

I will be availing myself of this form next month, but haven’t used it yet.

Reading it, your GP only needs to tick the applicable boxes, not every box. It seems in you case, they would tick the first box. The other two boxes don’t need to be ticked, regardless of your answer. You’re only declaring you’ve had the spicy cough.

 

[nancypants]

The ones I’ve done (not for Qantas but worded identically), we just tick the top box. It does say only tick applicable boxes. No issues so far

My understanding is the option to say there is a negative RAT/PCR is for those that have symptoms post diagnosis/isolation but are no longer infectious

 

[encryptededdy]

I'm not super confident about the above two answers. I was looking at this for a friend the other day, and there's one big point on the Qantas site at https://www.qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html that makes me a bit worried.


Qantas' website isn't the clearest thing in the world, but this reads to me like you can exclude a positive PCR test with evidence you're no longer infectious, but you cannot do the same for a positive RAT.

Of course, that begs the question - can't you just have a PCR, have it be positive, then provide clearance that you're no longer infectious as per bullet point 2 (and just never get a pre departure RAT)

 

[Katie]

I'm not super confident about the above two answers. I was looking at this for a friend the other day, and there's one big point on the Qantas site at https://www.qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html that makes me a bit worried.

View attachment 274562
Qantas' website isn't the clearest thing in the world, but this reads to me like you can exclude a positive PCR test with evidence you're no longer infectious, but you cannot do the same for a positive RAT.

Of course, that begs the question - can't you just have a PCR, have it be positive, then provide clearance that you're no longer infectious as per bullet point 2 (and just never get a pre departure RAT)

Exactly.

If you are saying you’re a recovered case within the past 90 days, then you do not do a pre-departure test, because you can get positives to PCRs and RATs post-recovery.
In my case, I’m travelling to the US, so I went through the CDC website for their rules/recommendations for testing.

Your GP will be the one filling out that form for you.

 

[Capricornus]

I submitted just the NSW Health Clearance Form (without the Qantas form). Got a response within 6 hours clearing me to fly without a test.

QF website says “Qantas form OR a signed medical certificate”, so looks like they accept either.

 

[sudoer]

My GP filled the form out yesterday and only checked the top box as expected. My flights are split over two PNRs but instead of filling out two separate forms I just listed both locators on the one form.

I submitted the form just after COB AEST yesterday and received the below response 3.5 hours later. For reference my outbound flight is less than seven days away and they are processing these forms by date of departure (hence why they ask for this to be included in the subject line)

Thanks for contacting us to request a COVID-19 Past Positive Medical Clearance for travel on your upcoming Qantas flight.

Based on the information that has been provided to us, the Singapore Government has advised that you don’t need to have a pre-departure COVID-19 test for travel on your upcoming Qantas international flight.

QFxx – xx April 2022 – xx to Singapore

You’ll also need to ensure you comply with all relevant Singapore Government requirements for Vaccinated Travel Lane flights. This information may change and we recommend you check the websites regularly for any updates.

From 12:01am (AEST) Monday 18 April 2022, the Australian Government will no longer require travellers entering Australia to have a pre-departure COVID-19 test. However, if transiting or travelling with a vaccination exemption, check government and airline requirements.

If your return flight to Australia if prior to 18 April 2022, You don’t need to submit your signed past positive medical clearance form to us in advance, but you will need to show your completed documents at check-in on your day of departure.

QFxx – xx April 2022 – Singapore to xx

As per the Australia Government guidelines, if you tested positive within the past 30 days, and your Past Positive Medical Clearance form or medical certificate is signed within 30 days of your departure, and your medical certificate includes all information as required by the Australian Government, you’re not required to have a pre-departure COVID-19 test.

If you tested positive more than 30 days ago, refer to the Australian Government, website for more information.

If you’re unable to have your Past Positive Medical Clearance form or medical certificate signed within 30 days of departure, or your medical certificate doesn’t include all information as required by the Australian Government, you may still be eligible to travel on your Qantas flight if your pre-departure COVID-19 test result is negative.

You’ll also need to ensure you comply with all relevant government requirements and guidelines, including any relevant Australian state or territory government requirements for vaccinations and any exemptions.

This information may change and we recommend you check the websites regularly for any updates.

If you change any of your flights, we require a new form to be completed and submitted to request a COVID-19 Past Positive Medical Clearance for travel.

If your itinerary includes travel with another airline, or Qantas codeshare flights which are operated by another airline on their aircraft, you’ll need to contact them directly to understand and meet their requirements.

If you only have an electronic copy of your documents, we recommend you also carry a printed copy with you to use throughout your trip.

Regards
Qantas

So it looks like I'm good to go. Slightly concerning that the Qantas response includes dead links to the SG gov website as well as references to VTLs which canned about 3 weeks ago and took effect from 1 Apr.

 

[OATEK]

I submitted just the NSW Health Clearance Form (without the Qantas form). Got a response within 6 hours clearing me to fly without a test.

QF website says “Qantas form OR a signed medical certificate”, so looks like they accept either.

Yes, for our LHR-SYD flight I submitted a medical certificate with all the right info at check-in, and did not touch the QF form. They read the certificate carefully to make sure it said 72hrs symptom free, more than 7 days since infection etc, and considered fit to fly.

 

[eminere]

My GP filled the form out yesterday and only checked the top box as expected. My flights are split over two PNRs but instead of filling out two separate forms I just listed both locators on the one form.

I submitted the form just after COB AEST yesterday and received the below response 3.5 hours later. For reference my outbound flight is less than seven days away and they are processing these forms by date of departure (hence why they ask for this to be included in the subject line)



So it looks like I'm good to go. Slightly concerning that the Qantas response includes dead links to the SG gov website as well as references to VTLs which canned about 3 weeks ago and took effect from 1 Apr.

Saw your post in the business class meals thread so I guess everything worked out - what was the experience like at check-in? Any resistance or pushback from staff? Did you have to submit any forms to the Singapore government or just Qantas?

 

[sudoer]

Saw your post in the business class meals thread so I guess everything worked out

Yep indeed, all good

what was the experience like at check-in? Any resistance or pushback from staff?

I went through the SYD T3 Service Desk with a bag checked all the way through to SIN. The check-in agent was unfamiliar with SG rules and had to read up, fair enough given they are working at the domestic terminal. No issues with the past positive clearance but they wanted to see my SG Arrival Card submission before departure - which isn't actually a requirement of boarding. No issue though, took less than two min to fill out on phone and then all sorted.

During boarding for the second sector in Brisbane, every single person who'd been checked from Sydney hadn't been checked in correctly and was getting flagged by the boarding pass reader. They set up another counter where a good 20-30 people were pulled aside to have their vaccination cert/past positive forms rechecked. I don't think anyone was denied boarding, was just a hassle to pull all the paperwork back out.

Did you have to submit any forms to the Singapore government or just Qantas?

Everything you need is:

- International Covid-19 vaccination certificate (from the Medicare website but different to the usual one with your IHI)
- Negative covid test or past positive medical clearance
- SG Arrival Card, can't submit until 3 days prior to arrival
- SG TraceTogether app, this links with the Arrival Card data and shows your vax status. Install it after you've done the SG Arrival Card stuff. (you need a mobile number to register so if not roaming or SIM swapping, sort this out before leaving Aus)

Processing at SG immigration was lightning quick, just handed the usual passport/boarding pass, photo & thumbprints, through in 30 sec.

 

[eminere]

Thank you, all very helpful. This will be me in a few days except I'll be flying SYD-SIN. Going to see GP tomorrow to get the Qantas form signed, hopefully no dramas there.

 

[harvyk]

Whilst I still have 8 weeks to go before my trip to SIN, I was getting very confused with the QF website as I had a round of everyone's favourite virus back in March.

Singapore Govt said everything was A-OK for me to go, but QF was just confusing. So it's nice to read of peoples actual experience.

 

[sudoer]

Can't recommend Singapore enough at the moment. Everything is in full swing, just with masks. Everyone is very happy to see tourists back and the hawker markets & nightlife have definitely recovered. I type this while sitting in a Grab to Geylang Serai to check out the Ramadan night markets!

 

[ajd]

Thanks for this thread - I'm heading to Singapore on Monday! (JQ on the MEL-SIN segment, first time I've ever flown JQ long-haul, wish me luck...)

Annoyed that I had to go pay a GP to get this certificate, but on the other hand the doctor also reminded me that my typhoid and tetanus shots weren't up to date so at least I got some actual value out of the visit.

It's been 23 hours since I submitted my paperwork to Qantas, which was 5 days before flight, and I haven't gotten a response as yet.

I submitted just the NSW Health Clearance Form (without the Qantas form). Got a response within 6 hours clearing me to fly without a test.

QF website says “Qantas form OR a signed medical certificate”, so looks like they accept either.

Is your NSW Health clearance form signed?

I'm in the ACT, where our clearance certificates take the form of a plain text email with not even an attempt at a replica signature - which seems fine by the Singapore government's rules, as it's still a certificate from the relevant state authority, but doesn't seem to satisfy Qantas's policy at least as stated on the website.

 

[ajd]

I'm not super confident about the above two answers. I was looking at this for a friend the other day, and there's one big point on the Qantas site at https://www.qantas.com/us/en/coronavirus/vaccination-exemptions-medical-clearance.html that makes me a bit worried.

View attachment 274562
Qantas' website isn't the clearest thing in the world, but this reads to me like you can exclude a positive PCR test with evidence you're no longer infectious, but you cannot do the same for a positive RAT.

Of course, that begs the question - can't you just have a PCR, have it be positive, then provide clearance that you're no longer infectious as per bullet point 2 (and just never get a pre departure RAT)

Note that there are some countries (Malaysia is the one I'm aware of - of course they're not a QF destination) where past-positive travellers are still required to pass a RAT - the benefit of the past positive clearance in that case is that you'll be allowed to do a RAT rather than a PCR. Not sure whether this is applicable to any of QF's destination countries, but it might be - either way, terribly worded as is most of their COVID policy.

 

[sudoer]

Is your NSW Health clearance form signed?

This is what the NSW Health clearance looks like:

Note that there are some countries (Malaysia is the one I'm aware of - of course they're not a QF destination) where past-positive travellers are still required to pass a RAT

I wasn't aware of this for flying in, but you can definitely enter Malaysia through the Singapore-JB land crossing without testing (same for crossing back into Singapore)



I was tempted to go for a day trip, but the public transport options are still limited and the buses seem to sell out quite early - so book in advance if you're thinking to do this!

the benefit of the past positive clearance in that case is that you'll be allowed to do a RAT rather than a PCR

The main benefit of past positive clearance is not needing to do any testing at all!

 

[ajd]

This is what the NSW Health clearance looks like:

View attachment 274736

Okay, that's only marginally more fancy than the ACT Health certificates - I would not have assumed that counts as "signed".

I wasn't aware of this for flying in, but you can definitely enter Malaysia through the Singapore-JB land crossing without testing (same for crossing back into Singapore)

View attachment 274737

I was tempted to go for a day trip, but the public transport options are still limited and the buses seem to sell out quite early - so book in advance if you're thinking to do this!

I will actually be doing exactly that for a day trip to JB - but I was originally planning to fly to KL so I had to look up the rules for flying.

Re public transport - note that in addition to their prebooked services (which seem to be a complete pain), Causeway Link runs a non-prebooked shuttle bus that operates between the post-immigration sides of Woodlands Checkpoint and Iskander CIQ that only costs SG$2/MYR2. So my plan will be to MRT/bus my way up to Woodlands, cross over the border with the $2 bus, and then use a taxi or Grab to get wherever I need to go.

The main benefit of past positive clearance is not needing to do any testing at all!

It is - but most recovered patients will pass a RAT fairly quickly, whereas PCRs are much more of a problem. I used a RAT on day 6 of my isolation and came back clear.

(I'm returning via one night in Adelaide, and I've been told by SA Health that there is no recently-recovered exemption from taking the mandatory post-arrival PCR test - I just have to tell the test clinic that I'm a recovered patient, and then... ignore the result. Nice to see my tax dollars being spent wisely.)

 

[sudoer]

I will actually be doing exactly that for a day trip to JB - but I was originally planning to fly to KL so I had to look up the rules for flying.

Nice. The only thing I think you need to do is fill out your first SG Arrival Card to reflect that your next destination is JB, then fill out a second SG Arrival Card for your reentry with next destination being Aus.

Re public transport - note that in addition to their prebooked services (which seem to be a complete pain), Causeway Link runs a non-prebooked shuttle bus that operates between the post-immigration sides of Woodlands Checkpoint and Iskander CIQ that only costs SG$2/MYR2. So my plan will be to MRT/bus my way up to Woodlands, cross over the border with the $2 bus, and then use a taxi or Grab to get wherever I need to go.

Yeah, I had read about this option but it felt a bit too much hassle - I was mainly looking at the departures from Queen St purely for convenience. Perhaps on a future trip when I have more time, ideally I'd stay in JB for a couple of nights so I can explore it properly.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Can't recommend Singapore enough at the moment. Everything is in full swing, just with masks. Everyone is very happy to see tourists back and the hawker markets & nightlife have definitely recovered. I type this while sitting in a Grab to Geylang Serai to check out the Ramadan night markets!

That's amazing to read - heading there tomorrow.

 

[ajd]

Yeah, I had read about this option but it felt a bit too much hassle - I was mainly looking at the departures from Queen St purely for convenience. Perhaps on a future trip when I have more time, ideally I'd stay in JB for a couple of nights so I can explore it properly.

It'll be a 2+ hour trip each way, but I may be overly excited by the idea of going, alone as an adult, to Legoland...