The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has mandated that all air passengers entering the country starting tomorrow supply recent negative Covid-19 test results, and NATA held a webinar late last week with MedAire staff to discuss the effects of this rule on private aviation.
Noting the recent grim milestone of more than two million deaths worldwide as a result of the virus, including more than 400,000 in the U.S., Dr. Paulo Alves, MedAire’s global medical director for aviation health, assessed the situation starkly. “The reality is the pandemic is beyond control at this point,” he said, stressing the need for aircraft operators to take mandates seriously. Though some may argue that Covid is proving fatal to only a small portion of those who get the virus, Alves pointed out that with such huge numbers of people infected, even a small percentage is a big number, and the situation from both a health and regulatory perspective is constantly changing. He believes aircraft operators bear primary accountability for ensuring passengers comply with the mandate.
The mandate calls for passengers to obtain a viral test (a test for active infection, not for the presence of antibodies) within three days before their flight to the U.S. and provide written documentation of the result; but the rule does not apply to duty crew or even crew deadheading. It does apply to all passengers, even those who have already received vaccinations, according to Alexander Smith, the medical advisor’s director of health screening services. While testing attestation for incoming private aviation passengers may or may not be reviewed by local public health officials, he noted that operators should assume it will be and should act in accordance with the spirit of the regulation, which is aimed at reducing transmission of the disease.
Companies such as MedAire can provide guidance as to how and where to obtain Covid tests prior to return to the U.S. and assist in deciphering results issued in a foreign language. Ideally, tests should be conducted as close to departure as possible, said Christopher Bigger, the company’s business development manager, who noted that the 72-hour window represents a concession to how difficult it may be to obtain tests and results.
In addition to the mandated testing, the CDC recommends additional tests three to five days after arrival and quarantine for at least seven days post-travel. “Right now, one in 50 people in the UK have Covid,” said Smith. “You are more likely now to get Covid than you have ever been, so if you are traveling...you are going to have a decent chance of infection, especially if you are not following all of the precautions.”
The panel of experts recommended extensive planning ahead of a mission to consider all contingencies, including what to do if a passenger or crewmember tests positive upon arrival in a foreign country. While local authorities wishing not to have another Covid case to deal with may advise the aircraft to immediately return to the U.S., determinations have to be made as to the comfort level of everyone aboard that aircraft about the prospect of being confined for an extended period with a contagious person. Regardless, there should be an identification of medical facilities available in the destination country and consideration of the need for quarantining in place upon receipt of a positive test.