According to latest research, Omicron spread was not affected by travel restrictions in the EU

Starting from tests required by Italy and Finland at the end of last year, researchers found no connection between the travel bans related measures and the limiting of the Omicron spread.

 

Data obtained following study led Airports Council International (ACI) Europe and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to the conclusion that the countries should end travel restrictions and allow tourists to enter borders based on their vaccination status, not on their country of origin’s Covid cases count.

The results of the study support the EU Council’s goal to simplify travel regulations for vaccinated tourists, focusing on the EU Digital Covid Certificate rather than on each country’s pandemic status.

Conrad Clifford, deputy director general at IATA, commented:

“It’s the classic case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. Keeping testing in place for vaccinated passengers therefore seems completely ineffective from the health point of view, but damages passenger confidence and national economies.”

ACI Europe director general Olivier Jankovec also added:

“Travel restrictions do have a significant effect, but it’s not on public health, it’s on economic stability and livelihoods. In short: they are doing more harm than good.”

The research was conducted by Oxera and Edge Health.

According to WHO representatives, Covid emergency is expected to end this year, with the latest Omicron variant milder than previously expected.

 

Source: euronews.com