The weekend leading up to Thanksgiving saw a staggering two million passengers pass through U.S. airports, as reported by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This influx occurred amidst ongoing warnings from health officials regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently emphasized that traveling increases the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, advising that canceling plans is the safest option this year. Yet, many individuals seem to disregard these warnings, opting to travel to reunite with family and friends. The days of November 20th and 21st marked the busiest travel days in U.S. airports since mid-March, causing frustration among those adhering to health guidelines and healthcare workers who are tirelessly managing the surge of COVID-19 patients. A viral video from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport illustrated the crowded conditions.
On November 21st, Johns Hopkins University reported a record 195,542 new COVID-19 cases in the United States, and the death toll surpassed 256,000. Airlines maintain that stringent cleaning protocols, the introduction of hospital-grade air filters, and mask mandates make flying safe during the pandemic. However, as people gather for Thanksgiving, the potential for these gatherings to become super-spreader events raises significant concern.
Erin Sauber-Schatz, head of the CDC’s community intervention and critical population task force, urged travelers to reconsider their plans, particularly if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. With over a million new cases reported in the past week, health officials are advocating for safety and flexibility in holiday travel.
This surge in travel is poised to put additional strain on hospitals, which are already grappling with staff shortages due to the pandemic’s impact. An analysis by NPR indicated that over 1,000 hospitals in the U.S. are critically short on staff as they manage the influx of patients.
While the desire to connect with loved ones during the holidays is understandable, the choices being made could lead to increased fatalities, further lockdowns, and long-term repercussions for the country.
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