Willie Walsh: World should follow's UK lead on testing
James ChappleIata chief Willie Walsh has hailed the UK government’s decision to ease its Omicron travel and testing restrictions, and said other governments around the world should take note.
Walsh said a new Oxera and Edge Health study underlined the "extremely limited" impact travel restrictions have had on controlling the spread of the newest significant variant of Covid-19.
The research suggested that even if the measures that were introduced following the emergence of Omicron had been in place when it was first detected, they would have only delayed the peak in infections by an estimated five days and resulted in 3% fewer cases.
"Now Omicron is highly prevalent in the UK, if all travel testing requirements were removed, there would be no impact on Omicron case numbers or hospitalisations in the UK," said Iata. The association further contends the study highlights how Covid-19 is now increasingly becoming endemic around the world.
It is urging governments to accelerate the relaxation of all travel restrictions, including quarantine and testing, for those fully vaccinated against Covid-19. It also wants governments to axe quarantine for those not yet fully vaccinated, provided they test negative via a pre-travel lateral flow test.
"With the experience of the Omicron variant, there is mounting scientific evidence and opinion opposing the targeting of travellers with restrictions and country bans to control the spread of Covid-19," said Walsh. The measures have not worked. Today, Omicron is present in all parts of the world. That’s why travel, with very few exceptions, does not increase the risk to general populations."
Addressing the Oxera and Edge Health findings, Walsh added: “While the study is specific to the UK, it is clear travel restrictions in any part of the world have had little impact on the spread of Covid-19, including the Omicron variant.
"The UK, France and Switzerland have recognised this and are among the first to begin removing travel measures. More governments need to follow their lead. Accelerating the removal of travel restrictions will be a major step towards living with the virus."
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