United Airlines announced Thursday that it will offer loose coronavirus testing to passengers on some flights between Newark Liberty International in New Jersey and London Heathrow Airport starting next month, as a component of an effort to increase passenger confidence in the air at a time when passengers numbers have plummeted.
The four-week pilot programme will run from 16 November to 11 December. All passengers over the age of 2 on flights between Newark and London will get quick and loose testing. Those who do not wish to be evaluated will be booked on other flights. The goal, United officials said, is to make sure everyone on board tested negative for the virus.
However, unlike a program United previously unveiled earlier this month that allowed some people to Hawaii whose HIV tests were negative to avoid quarantine requirements, this will not be the case for people traveling to London. will still need to meet local quarantine requirements. citizens can go to the UK but will have to be quarantined for 14 days.
Increasingly, the aviation industry sees testing as a key strategy for restarting, namely ForeignArray, which has been hit hardest by border closures and the imposition of strict quarantines. compared to a year ago.
But to do so, airlines will have to convince countries that evidence of negative coronavirus control is a viable option for prolonged quarantine. This task is probably more complicated now that the number of infections is expanding worldwide.
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Still, United officials say those systems are trying.
“We have the ability to perform rapid COVID-19 tests on the same day that will play a critical role in safely reopening travel around the world and navigating quarantines and travel restrictions, that is, to key international destinations such as London, “said Toby Enqvist, United’s senior client director. “Through this pilot program, we will ensure that virtually everyone on board has tested negative for COVID-19, adding some other detail to our layered technique for safety. United will continue to lead the tests, while exploring new responses. that contributes to the safest possible travel pleasure. “
Passengers will receive the Abbott ID NOW COVID-19, an immediate molecular control that can provide effects in about 15 minutes, authorities said. The tests will be carried out on the day of departure and passengers will arrange an appointment in advance. The verification site is located at Newark United Club near Gate C93. Premise Health will be guilty of administering the check.
The airline has already realized the check program it has introduced for passengers traveling to Hawaii from San Francisco.
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Josh Earnest, United’s chief communications officer, said bookings during the week the show was introduced were nearly double those of the past two weeks.
“What this tells you and what it tells us is that there is a very positive reaction from our consumers to that kind of evidence,” Earnest said.
Under United’s agreement with the State of Hawaii, travelers with a negative check must remain quarantined for 14 days after arriving on the islands; However, in this case, travelers, United, are guilty of paying the check fee, which stands at $80 to $250 depending on the type of check.
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