Flying with COVID is ok according to IATA
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The IATA Statement on imposition of travel restrictions for travelers from China shows a full acceptance to live and travel with COVID.
Many countries now understand, that preventing COVID-19 is no longer a realistic option, and travel with COVID is becoming a new norm.
The world is learning how to live with the virus. Travel and tourism are back in full swing, and travelers no longer accept the virus to be in their way.
The zero tolerance in China against COVID, enforcing horrible lockdowns of millions is no longer working either.
The World Tourism Network has been saying for a while, it is important to learn how to live with the virus, but to respect this virus remains a threat.
The United States and Europe have been putting restrictions on travelers from China after a recent and renewed COVID outbreak in the most populated nation in the world.
Some may say, this is necessary, others say it won’t make a difference. IATA in a statement today is summarizing the reality, suggesting such restrictions are counterproductive for travel and tourism and should be eliminated.
While in 2020 IATA asked how high the risk is to catch the virus on the plane, today this would translate into “never mind.” IATA of course represents the global airline industry, an industry that is making money again – and doesn’t want to change this.
IATA’s statement says:
“Several countries are introducing COVID-19 testing and other measures for travelers from China, even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders. It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years.
Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.
That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without resorting to ineffective measures that cut off international connectivity, damage economies, and destroy jobs. Governments must base their decisions on ‘science facts’ rather than ‘science politics’.”
source: eTN
