According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), governments should avoid quarantine measures when they reopen their economies.
Imposing quarantine on arriving travelers keeps countries isolated and the travel and tourism sector in a deadlock, said the association, which represents 290 airlines representing 82% of global air traffic. .
“We offer a framework with protective layers to prevent sick people from traveling and to mitigate the risk of transmission if a traveler discovers that he was infected after his arrival,” said Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO of l ‘IATA.
Mandatory quarantine measures prevent people from traveling.
A recent opinion poll found that 83% of those surveyed would not even consider traveling if a quarantine was imposed at their destination, said de Juniac.
He added that an analysis of trends during the quarantine period shows that the countries imposing a quarantine have seen arrivals decrease by more than 90% – a result similar to that of the countries which have completely prohibited foreign arrivals.
“Restarting the economy safely is a priority.
This includes travel and tourism.
Quarantine measures can play a role in keeping people safe, but they will also keep many unemployed. “
De Juniac added that IATA supports reducing the risk of imported cases by discouraging symptomatic passengers from traveling, by implementing health risk mitigation measures, such as screening by non-intrusive temperature controls , and by providing Covid-19 tests to travelers from countries perceived to be “higher risk”.
IATA has stated that it recommends that tests be carried out before arrival at the departure airport so as not to increase congestion at airports and avoid the risk of contagion.
Tests should be widely available and very accurate, and results should be provided quickly.
Test data should be independently validated to be mutually recognized by governments and transmitted to authorities safely.
In addition, in cases where an infected person is traveling, IATA has declared that the take-off guidelines published by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) should be applied universally, particularly with regard to wearing a mask during travel, disinfection, health declarations and social distancing when possible.
These measures should be complemented by contact tracing for people whose infection has been detected after arrival.
According to the association, new mobile technologies can automate part of the contact tracing process, provided that privacy concerns can be resolved.
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Source : bangkokpost.com
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