Airlines push for testing before takeoff to rekindle confidence in travel
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Global airlines are pushing for widespread coronavirus testing as an alternative to quarantine measures and other travel restrictions that have dampened passenger demand and decimated the industry.
Why it matters: Airline officials have pegged the industry's recovery to the discovery of a coronavirus vaccine, but it could be mid-2021 before one is widely available.
- In the meantime, industry officials say systematic testing of all passengers before departure could get around the restrictions and help restore public confidence in flying.
The big picture: Virtually every country in the world imposed some sort of travel restrictions to combat the pandemic, including quarantines, testing and contract tracing.
- Even in the U.S., at least 17 states, including Hawaii and New York, have quarantine restrictions on out-of-state visitors.
Yes, but: The effect of travel restrictions on the spread of the coronavirus is still not understood, the New York Times notes.
- Global health policy has long encouraged global mass tourism and open borders, even during outbreaks, the Times notes — until the novel coronavirus arrived, triggering country-by-country responses.
- The evidence both in favor and against restrictions is "very, very thin," Kelley Lee, a global health professor at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, tells Axios.
- Her research team is trying to fill that data gap and help government leaders make more informed decisions.
Where it stands: After months of lockdowns, some countries are cautiously reopening their borders to international visitors (although Americans are still unwelcome in most countries, with some exceptions).
- Hawaii will also begin welcoming back tourists this month — provided they test negative for the virus.
What's new: To facilitate the restart of travel, airlines are stepping in to offer coronavirus testing as another layer of precautions — besides enhanced cleaning, masks and social distancing — to reassure travelers.
- Germany's Lufthansa will begin testing some passengers in Europe this month, and says it could expand the service to the U.S. and Canada.
- Some airports are doing their own testing, too. Tampa International Airport this week became the first U.S. airport to offer COVID testing.
Zoom in: United Airlines will offer COVID tests to Hawaii-bound passengers in San Francisco starting Oct. 15, and says it could expand testing to other airports before the end of the year.
- Passengers can make an appointment for a rapid test at the airport on the day of departure or perform a self-collected, mail-in test no more than 72 hours ahead of their trip. Antigen and antibody tests, which are deemed less accurate, will not be accepted, Hawaii officials note.
- Passengers who test negative can skip Hawaii's 14-day quarantine. A test will not be required to board the plane, but without proof of a negative test result travelers will be required to quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii.
- The onsite test is $250, while the mail-in self-test is $80, plus overnight shipping.
- Hawaiian Airlines will offer testing as well.
What to watch: The International Air Transport Association wants government health authorities worldwide to standardize coronavirus testing for passengers — ideally with a rapid, inexpensive and accurate antigen test.
- But as production ramps up, schools and medical facilities could take priority.
- Earlier this week, the Trump administration scooped up 150 million rapid, point-of-care coronavirus tests from Abbott Laboratories in a bid to help open reopen schools and jumpstart the economy.
