The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has called for “a comprehensive approach [to international travel] that does not embrace quarantines”.
The association’s call comes the day after the UK announced it would require arrivals from 22 countries where variants of the Covid virus have emerged to quarantine in a government-provided hotel. The governments of Scotland and Wales have called for quarantine to be made even stricter.
Dave Hilfman, interim executive director of GBTA, said, “The move towards quarantines despite multiple studies that question their effectiveness is a real problem. The science suggests that quarantines rank far down the list of effective Covid-19 mitigation measures.
“Pre-departure testing can help ensure the safety of travellers and residents, while allowing essential international travel to take place without compromising public health. At a time when the business travel industry continues to fight for its existence, a comprehensive approach that does not embrace quarantines can help stop the pandemic and stop the further proliferation of job losses and financial ruin.”
He added: “These measures, put in place to mitigate risk, protect travellers and prevent the spread of Covid-19 and its variants, should continue to be science-based and to strike the appropriate balance between public health and protecting the global economy.”