Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO), recommended that countries around the world lift all COVID-19 travel restrictions. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee of the organization stated in a report that blanket travel bans "are not effective in suppressing international spread (as clearly demonstrated by the Omicron experience), and may discourage transparent and rapid reporting of emerging VOC [Variants of Concern]."
As some may recall, travel bans were swiftly enacted shortly after South Africa reported the Omicron variant. The United States had a travel ban to South Africa and surrounding countries for approximately a month as well. However, Omicron still spread rapidly around the world, thus the committee argued that such measures "do not provide added value." Moreover, these types of restrictions "contribute to the economic and social stress experienced by states parties [countries]."
Additionally, to avoid placing a financial burden on international travelers, travel measures such as masking and testing should be based on "risk assessments." The WHO also suggested not requiring vaccines as the only prerequisite for international travel, citing "limited global access and inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines."
These recommendations have started to be adopted by countries already, with the United Kingdom announcing today that vaccinated individuals will no longer have to take a COVID-19 test upon arrival into the country. Unvaccinated travelers will also no longer have to take a day eight test, having to only take a pre-departure and a day two test. The country also will no longer require face masks to be worn nor will it require vaccine passports for large events.
As the spread of the Omicron variant dies down, an increasing amount of restrictions will be lifted, such as those regarding travel.
Sources:
https://thepointsguy.com/news/boris-johnson-end-of-testing-vaccinated-uk-arrivals-restrictions/
The State of Israel’s Aviation Industry During the Israel-Hamas War » Inside the UAE's Plans for Continued Global Leadership in Aviation » American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and United MileagePlus: The Battle of the Frequent Flyers »
Comments (0)
Add Your Comment
SHARE
TAGS
NEWS whocovidcovid19travel banaviationRECENTLY PUBLISHED
Inside the UAE's Plans for Continued Global Leadership in Aviation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become one of the world's major players in the aviation industry over the past two decades. Emirates and Etihad Airways are synonymous with global connectivity and major lifestyle brands, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi have become major business and leisure travel destinations. The UAE is expanding its airport infrastructure and leading discussions on decarbonizing aviation to maintain its global leadership in the aviation sector.
NEWS
READ MORE »
Airbus's Worst Selling Aircraft: A Closer Look at the A330-800neo
The Airbus A330-800 never became a large component of airline fleets. The plane has received only 12 orders over the past nine years, compared to the hundreds of orders for the A330-900 during the same period. Many carriers prefer the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and other aircraft for multiple reasons. We look deeper into why the A330-800 has failed to take off within the industry.
STORIES
READ MORE »
The State of Israel’s Aviation Industry During the Israel-Hamas War
Israel's commercial aviation industry has suffered severe losses as a result of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict that escalated immensely in October. El Al and low-cost carriers have reported major losses due to necessary cancellation refunds, and foreign carriers have reduced capacity into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) near Tel Aviv.
NEWS
READ MORE »
