Airports And Covid Vaccines: What's The Requirement?

While airports are not currently asking for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for domestic flights, there is growing pressure to change that. Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Biden's top infectious disease advisor, has said that it would be reasonable to consider a vaccination requirement for domestic airline passengers. Some US airports have begun introducing COVID-19 testing options to help spur safer domestic and international travel. Additionally, essential airport workers, such as custodians and security guards, have been demanding to be prioritized for the vaccine due to their increased risk of contracting COVID-19.

Airport workers asking to be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine

Airport workers have been asking to be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine since the early days of the vaccine rollout. In February 2021, union workers who clean and guard inside San Diego International Airport protested, asking state officials to move them up the vaccination list. These workers disinfect the airport every day, putting them at high risk of contracting COVID-19. Many of them fear for their lives, and some have already suffered from long-haul symptoms.

The Service Employees International Union, which has 3,000 local members and 20,000 members across the state of California, asked Governor Gavin Newsom to move them up on the essential worker vaccine list. However, it is unclear if this will happen, as the vaccine guidelines are set at the national level. San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher expressed a similar sentiment, stating that while the county wants to make the shots available, they are limited by the supply of vaccines.

The situation is similar in other countries. In Australia, the Australian Airports Association (AAA) has also called for aviation workers to be prioritised for the COVID-19 vaccine. AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin acknowledged that health and emergency services workers and the vulnerable should be at the front of the queue but emphasised that aviation workers must not be forgotten. He highlighted that airport staff are frontline workers who could potentially have a higher risk of coming into contact with the virus, especially as many of them need to have direct contact with passengers.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Maritime Organization have jointly stated that air crews and seafarers should be prioritised for vaccination as "essential workers". They are required to travel across borders at all times and may need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for entry in some countries.

Beyond airport workers, there have been calls to prioritise other key workers, such as transport staff, supermarket workers, and teachers, especially those from deprived areas. Research has shown that people in deprived areas have higher rates of hospitalisation and are more likely to die from COVID-19. Experts involved in health inequalities have emphasised that guidance should consider occupations and socioeconomic factors when deciding on priority groups for the vaccine.

The effectiveness of airport screening in detecting COVID-19

Airport screening for COVID-19 has been a topic of interest since the early days of the pandemic. As air travel facilitates human mobility, it is directly linked to the spread of infectious diseases. Various stringent border controls were implemented at international airports to prevent the influx of infected persons and the subsequent spread of the disease within a country or region.

One common method of airport screening for COVID-19 has been fever or thermal screening. However, studies have shown that this method alone is ineffective in detecting infected passengers. A study conducted at nine airports in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, from May 2020 to March 2022, found that fever screening missed over 90% of COVID-19 infected cases. During this period, at least 122 people with COVID-19 infections arrived at the airports, but only 10 suspected cases were detected, resulting in a capture rate of up to 8.2%.

Similarly, a rapid review of the effectiveness of screening practices at airports for COVID-19 concluded that entry and exit screening measures are insufficient to detect infected cases. The review included three articles that investigated the effectiveness of thermal scanning and body temperature scanning, suggesting that these methods are unlikely to effectively identify COVID-19 infections. Additionally, two systematic reviews found no additional benefit of travel restrictions and screening, and modelling studies indicated that airport screening was not effective, with thermal scanning missing almost half of infected travellers.

While airport screening may provide some benefits in specific contexts, such as discouraging travel for ill individuals and raising awareness, it is important to weigh these benefits against the resources and costs of implementation. The effectiveness of airport screening should also consider the contribution of imported cases to total cases and the local context, such as the prevalence of other infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis.

Overall, airport screening based on fever or thermal screening alone has limited effectiveness in detecting COVID-19 infected individuals. Other countermeasures, such as pre-boarding RT-PCR testing, are recommended during epidemics or when travelling to areas with limited medical resources.

The availability of COVID-19 testing facilities at airports

Prague Airport, for example, offers testing points for all travellers, with priority given to those with valid air tickets or those planning a trip abroad. The testing facilities are located in the public and non-public areas of the airport, serving both departing and arriving passengers. The tests include nasal swab tests, rapid testing, and antibody tests, with results typically delivered within 12 to 24 hours, or within two hours for express tests.

Similarly, Dublin Airport has two testing facilities operated by healthcare firms, offering drive-through or walk-in tests at a starting price of €99. These facilities can conduct more than 12,000 tests per day, with plans to expand this capacity further.

In the US, testing facilities at airports like Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport have allowed travellers to bypass mandatory 14-day quarantines if they test negative. This has been particularly beneficial for those taking shorter vacations or business trips.

The presence of testing facilities at airports provides travellers with added convenience and peace of mind, ensuring they can meet the necessary health requirements for their destinations and safely embark on their journeys.

The impact of travel on the spread of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on travel, significantly disrupting global tourism and transportation sectors. Here is an overview of the effects of the pandemic on travel:

International Travel Restrictions: Many countries imposed quarantines, entry bans, or travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. These measures included global restrictions on foreign travel and preventing citizens from travelling internationally. While these restrictions helped reduce the spread, they also had economic repercussions for the tourism industry and affected the social well-being of those unable to travel.

Economic Impact: The travel restrictions resulted in massive losses for the global tourism industry, with a 74% drop in international tourist arrivals in 2020. Airlines, hotels, and local economies dependent on tourism suffered significant financial losses. Even after the restrictions were eased, the industry's recovery was slow, and some sectors, like business travel, may never fully recover.

Shift in Travel Behaviour: The pandemic led to a shift in travel patterns, with a decline in international travel and a rise in domestic travel. People prioritised safety, opting for road trips or staying within their countries. This shift benefited countries with large domestic markets, like the United States, which experienced a faster recovery due to increased domestic travel.

Impact on Transportation Industry: The pandemic significantly affected various modes of transportation:

• Air Travel: The number of flights and passengers decreased significantly during the pandemic. Airports, airlines, and related businesses faced financial challenges due to reduced demand.
• Public Transportation: The use of public transportation, such as buses and trains, declined as people perceived it as a breeding ground for viruses. This shift led to an increase in private vehicle usage and active transportation modes like cycling and walking.
• Road Traffic Safety: The decrease in traffic volume during lockdowns had a notable impact on road safety. While overall road accidents decreased, there was an increase in speeding and intoxicated driving, resulting in more severe accidents.

Virtual Alternatives: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual alternatives for business and international conferencing. The rise of teleconferencing, virtual events, and online meetings may contribute to a long-term decline in business travel and international conferences.

Vaccinated Venues: Tourism venues like museums, restaurants, and hotels mandating COVID-19 vaccines for staff or visitors, known as "vaccinated venues," have emerged. The effectiveness and side effects of vaccination influence tourists' preferences for visiting these venues.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for travel, disrupting established patterns and forcing adaptations in the tourism and transportation industries. While some changes may be temporary, others could have long-lasting effects on how people travel and interact globally.

The role of airports in promoting safer travel during the pandemic

Airports have played a crucial role in promoting safer travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the pandemic has disrupted travel plans and restricted movement across the globe, airports have implemented various measures to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These measures include testing facilities, vaccination requirements, enhanced cleaning protocols, and travel restrictions.

Testing Facilities

Many airports have introduced COVID-19 testing options for passengers and employees. These tests help travellers comply with the requirements of their destinations, such as providing proof of a negative test result or undergoing mandatory quarantines. Testing facilities vary in terms of location, cost, and turnaround time for results. Some airports offer rapid tests with quick results, while others provide standard tests with longer wait times. These testing options allow travellers to make informed decisions about their journeys and reduce the risk of transmission during travel.

Vaccination Requirements

Airports have also played a role in vaccine distribution and promotion. While airports themselves do not typically administer vaccines, they often serve as sites for mass vaccination events or testing and vaccination centres. Additionally, airport workers, especially those with frequent traveller contact, have advocated for their prioritisation in vaccine distribution. This includes custodians, housekeepers, and security personnel, who are at an increased risk of exposure to the virus due to the nature of their work. Their requests highlight the importance of protecting essential workers in high-risk settings.

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

Airports have implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols to ensure the safety of travellers and staff. Custodians and housekeeping staff play a vital role in disinfecting high-touch surfaces and maintaining a clean environment. Their work helps prevent the spread of the virus and provides an additional layer of protection for all individuals passing through the airport.

Travel Restrictions

Airports have also been at the forefront of enforcing travel restrictions and providing information to travellers. These restrictions may include mandatory quarantines, proof of negative test results, or completion of health declaration forms. Airports often serve as the first point of contact for travellers, and their role in communicating and enforcing these restrictions is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus across borders.

In summary, airports have implemented extensive measures to promote safer travel during the pandemic. Through testing facilities, enhanced cleaning, and enforcement of travel restrictions, airports have played a vital role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the efforts of airport workers to secure their rightful place in vaccine distribution highlight the importance of protecting those at the front lines of this global crisis. As the pandemic continues to evolve, airports will likely remain pivotal in adapting to new challenges and promoting the safety of travellers and staff alike.

Frequently asked questions