Kristina Partsinevels from FOX Business on how coronavirus can affect vacation travel and the workplace.
Americans are hitting the road in record numbers, despite government warnings that people should stay home during the Christmas holidays to limit the spread of COVID-19.
A new load of infections, hospitalizations and even deaths – in addition to an already devastating year – has led to a new round of travel bans and blocking measures in some states.
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There are no general restrictions across the country, however, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 1.1 million passengers at airline security checkpoints across the country on Wednesday, the largest since March 16.
TSA TRIED MORE THAN 2M PASSENGERS AT THE WEEKEND, IN spite of the CDC’s ORIENTATION TO STAY HOME
A few days before that, TSA scanned more than 3.2 million passengers over a three-day period, with more than one million entering airports on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It was the first time that the volume of checkpoints had exceeded one million in three consecutive days since the pandemic almost stopped travel in March.
Although AAA expects 34 million fewer travelers during the holiday compared to last year, analysts still estimate that up to 84.5 million Americans will travel from December 23 to January 3.
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The surprising numbers come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend that Americans stay at home and even cancel the holiday if they or someone they live with “is sick or has been close to someone who thinks they have or have COVID -19. “
“Traveling can increase your chance to advertise and get COVID-19,” said the CDC, adding that it is “OK” to postpone or cancel your meeting, especially if it poses a risk to others.
The CDC’s position on travel has not wavered in recent months. Before Thanksgiving, the agency also emphasized that Americans should stay home to try to contain the increase in infections. However, millions still passed through airports in the days leading up to the big party.