GBTA calls for fewer Covid quarantine measures
- BTN News
- Friday, 29 January 2021
As the governments of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the European Union broaden or impose new quarantine rules for international travellers, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is opposing automatic quarantine for Covid-19 prevention and calling for alternate practical measures to protect travellers and prevent the spread of Covid -19.
Dave Hilfman, interim executive director of GBTA said: “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.
“However, the move towards quarantines 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.”