Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Flying On A Plane Two Or Three Times More Risky For Catching Omicron
Bloomberg: Omicron Could Double Or Triple Covid Infection Risk On Planes: IATA Adviser
Aircraft passengers are twice or even three times more likely to catch Covid-19 during a flight since the emergence of the omicron variant, according to the top medical adviser to the world’s airlines. The warning comes as travelers take to the skies in their thousands for year-end holidays and family reunions, and as omicron becomes the dominant Covid strain in a matter of weeks -- in the U.S. it now accounts for more than 70% of new cases. (Whitley, 12/21)
CNBC: Delta Asks CDC To Cut Quarantine Guidelines For Breakthrough Covid, Citing Workforce Impact
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian on Tuesday asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to halve its recommended quarantine time for vaccinated people who contract Covid-19, saying the current isolation period could negatively affect the airline’s operations. Bastian wrote to CDC Director Rochelle Walensky proposing a five-day recommended quarantine period for fully vaccinated individuals who contract Covid. The existing recommendation calls for a 10-day period of isolation. (Josephs, 12/21)
Should you gather for the holidays? It depends —
WSBTV: Flying For Christmas? Here’s How Atlanta’s Airport Is Preparing For Holiday Travel
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said it expects more than 3.7 million passengers during the holiday period from Dec. 20 to Jan. 4, 2022. Airport officials, along with Atlanta police, the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection are taking steps to ensure that passengers have a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience as they travel with their families and loved ones through the airport. (12/20)
CNBC: Rethinking Your Travel Plans? If You Go, Experts Have 4 Pieces Of Advice
Still, some in the medical and research fields are striking a different tone this year than 2020′s “stay home, stay safe” mantra — at least for now. “At this point in the pandemic, we’ve learned so much about this virus and how to keep ourselves from spreading infection to others — and from acquiring infection,” said Stephen Kissler, research fellow at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, in an online discussion on Dec. 9 with “The World” public radio program. If certain precautions are taken, it’s possible to “travel relatively safely,” he said. (Pitrelli, 12/21)
The Washington Post: You’re Vaccinated And Boosted. How Should Omicron Affect Your Plans?
But how should omicron factor into your plans after vaccination? Infectious-disease experts give a range of answers. Some think it’s best to skip the New Year’s Eve party, as the country weathers a new wave of disease. Others underscore that Americans must “live with the virus” — especially as vaccines seems to protect well against the worst illness but are less effective at stopping milder cases of omicron. (Knowles and Firozi, 12/21)
Also —
Marin Independent Journal: Covid: 28 People Infected At Marin Holiday Party, Omicron Suspected
Marin health officials suspect that the omicron variant might be the cause of a COVID-19 outbreak that occurred after a holiday party at a Larkspur restaurant. At least 28 people have tested positive for COVID-19 following the event, which took place Dec. 11 at Farm House Local. Some attendees have experienced flu-like symptoms. All were in their 40s and 50s. “I think this is a glimpse into the next chapter of the pandemic for us,” Dr. Matt Willis, the county’s public health officer, said on Monday. “I would not be surprised if this particular outbreak was fueled by omicron.” Mike and Eliza Koeppel, a Larkspur couple in their 50s, hosted the event. (Halstead, 12/21)
