The global pandemic has majorly affected the travel industry over the past couple years.
Flying looks different than it did a few years ago
Traveling looks different now with mask requirements in place, and for a while, international travelers were not allowed to visit the United States. Now, some travel restrictions have been lifted, but the airline industry is still experiencing the impacts of the pandemic, having to cancel thousands of flights recently. Now, the nation’s top infectious disease expert and White House Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has spoken out about potentially imposing a vaccine mandate for air travel.
Dr. Anthony Fauci said in an interview this week that vaccine requirements are something that should be seriously considered for domestic flights, according to CNBC.
©Orlando International Airport
But, after the interview, Dr. Fauci said he doesn’t think a vaccine mandate will be imposed any time soon.
Right now, there is no indication that a vaccine mandate for domestic flights is happening in the United States. According to CNBC, when The White House was asked about the possibility, they referred to President Joe Biden’s previous statements which said “It’s been considered, but the recommendation I’ve gotten, it’s not necessary.”
Orlando International Airport
Back in September when Dr. Fauci made a similar statement, the travel industry expressed that it was opposed to a vaccine mandate for domestic travel, according to CNBC.
Orlando Airport
Dr. Fauci told CNN, “When I was asked that question, I gave an honest answer. It’s on the table, and we consider it. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. I doubt if we’re going to see something like that in the reasonably foreseeable future.”
On the Airplane
Right now, there is still a mask mandate on planes in the United States, which has been extended through March of 2022. In addition to the masks, international travelers coming to the United States have to show proof of vaccination and have a negative COVID-19 test in order to board their flights.
Orlando Airport
Airlines have had to cancel thousands of flights recently due the rapidly spreading Omicron variant of COVID-19 causing them to be short staffed. Stay tuned to DFB for more COVID-19 news and updates as they pertain to travel and tourism.
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The post Could Vaccines Be Required to Fly in the United States Soon? Here’s What Experts Are Saying first appeared on the disney food blog.