US: Urged by airline industry, Americans kept flying as virus spread

The rapid spread of COVID-19 across the US, which now leads the world in cases, is raising fresh questions about how much air travel contributed to the nation’s outbreak. A data analysis by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that air traffic in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson International — the world’s busiest — remained at 2019 levels well into the first weeks of March as the airline industry kept assuring the public air travel was safe. “Yes, America is still open for business,” A4A said March 10. “Numerous govt and health officials agree — it is safe to fly.” The industry urged Americans to follow through with their spring break trips, and added: “The World Health Organisation has advised against the application of travel or trade restrictions, which are ‘not effective’ in preventing the spread of COVID-19.” <br/>