IATA calls for layered alternative to quarantine

IATA has highlighted research findings that quarantine effectively shuts down passenger demand for air travel, and is urging governments to adopt a variety of alternative measures to minimise the risk of importing coronavirus via infected passengers. The airline association’s proposed framework consists of measures to prevent sick people from traveling and to mitigate the risk of transmission should a passenger discover they have Covid-19 after their arrival. “Imposing quarantine measures on arriving travellers keeps countries in isolation and the travel and tourism sector in lockdown,” says IATA DG Alexandre de Juniac. “Fortunately, there are policy alternatives that can reduce the risk of importing Covid-19 infections while still allowing for the resumption of travel and tourism that are vital to jump-starting national economies.” Key to IATA’s strategy is discouraging people with symptoms from travelling. Airlines can assist with this by allowing customers the flexibility to rebook if they become ill or are exposed to the virus. Health declarations can also be a tool to conduct screening, along with temperature checks. IATA says 80% of surveyed travellers indicated that such checks improved their feeling of safety. The association is also urging governments to consider coronavirus testing for travellers from countries with high rates of new infections. It recommends that these take place prior to arrival at their departure airport, to avoid congestion and the potential for contagion.<br/>