IATA Urges MEA Govts to Rely on COVID-19 Testing Instead of Quarantine Rules

IATA Urges MEA Govts to Rely on COVID-19 Testing Instead of Quarantine Rules

Thirty-five countries in Africa and the Middle East have government-imposed quarantine measures in place. This is an increase of seven countries since August. The impact is that the region effectively remains in lockdown despite borders being open.

Recent public opinion research showed that 88% of travellers would not even consider travelling if quarantine measures were imposed on travellers at their destination.

"Mandatory quarantine measures stop people from travelling. We understand that governments' priority is on protecting the well-being of their citizens. Quarantine destroys livelihoods. Testing is an alternative method that will also save travel and tourism jobs,“ said Muhammad Albakri, IATA's Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East.

Travellers support testing. The latest IATA survey of passenger attitudes, in the UAE shows 72% of people surveyed agreed that those who test