US Travel opposed to Covid testing for domestic flights
The U.S. Travel Association has called out as unnecessary and misguided a proposal for Covid-19 tests for domestic flights.
According to Dr. Marty Cetron at the CDC, the possibility of pre-flight tests for domestic flights is being ‘actively looked at.’
"These are conversations that are ongoing, and [we are] looking at what the types and locations of testing might be," Cetron said.
"I think this is a really important part of our toolkit to combat this pandemic."
The USTA opposes any testing protocols for domestic travelers.
In a speech to the National Press Club, U.S. Travel Association President Roger Dow said it should stick to ‘sound health and safety practices — especially wearing masks and physical distancing’ in lieu of a wider population receiving the vaccine.
"We are very much in favor of international testing for opening up international travel. It will be the thing that will open up international travel around the world. We’re opposed to testing prior to a domestic flight," Dow said.
Not only will it severely impact any chance of a travel industry recovery but many regional US airports will be unable to enforce it.
The idea is still in the discussion stage, health officials said, although Ian Brownlee, Acting Assistant Secretary for the State Department, said Americans should refrain from any unnecessary travel right now.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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