As we approach the holiday season, travel numbers are already exceeding those seen during Thanksgiving, despite the ongoing pandemic. It’s as if the pandemic has been forgotten, with social media filled with posts from those ignoring the reality of COVID-19. Shoppers are flocking to stores, children are still sitting on Santa’s lap without masks, and travel plans are in full swing. With COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities hitting alarming highs, many people are nonetheless determined to travel, likely contributing to another surge in cases.
Recent reports indicate that air travel hit record levels in the days leading up to Christmas, with over 1 million passengers flying daily for three consecutive days. This surge marks the highest weekend travel volume since the pandemic began, surpassing numbers from Thanksgiving. A daunting total of 3.2 million travelers were screened over that Friday through Sunday period.
Despite guidance from health officials—including the CDC, which emphasizes the importance of reducing travel to curb the spread of the virus—many are choosing to ignore these warnings. Hospitals are nearing capacity, overwhelmed by the influx of COVID-19 patients, which could lead to delays in care for individuals with other health issues. Yet, the desire to reunite with family seems to take precedence for some, resulting in risky travel choices.
The weekends surrounding Thanksgiving previously set the benchmark for pandemic travel, with over 3 million travelers reported. It’s no surprise that such gatherings led to significant spikes in COVID-19 cases in various states shortly afterward. While airports are implementing safety measures—like enhanced sanitation protocols and allowing larger containers of hand sanitizer—these efforts may not be sufficient to prevent illness among the throngs of travelers.
As the number of travelers remains less than half of what it was during the same time last year, it’s still a concerning situation. The CDC continues to advise against travel, urging individuals to stay home to protect themselves and others. Those who must travel are encouraged to take precautions, such as wearing masks, getting flu shots, and practicing good hand hygiene. Ultimately, the safest option remains to stay home and avoid unnecessary risks.
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Summary:
The holiday travel season is seeing record numbers, surpassing Thanksgiving figures despite the ongoing pandemic. Many travelers are disregarding health guidelines, leading to concerns over another surge in COVID-19 cases. Hospitals are overwhelmed, yet people continue to prioritize travel and family gatherings. The CDC advises against travel, suggesting that staying home is the best way to stay safe.