The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has argued that travel restrictions do not affect COVID-19 infection rates. Country governments should find other solutions to reduce the risk of infection.
In addition, IATA stressed that the decision of governments to ban travel from South African countries or to impose travel restrictions in general does not have a significant impact on this issue. A study shows that in December 2020 - January 2021, when most countries imposed quarantine requirements for arrivals from high-risk regions, the infection rate did not decrease, but followed its natural course.
The world has witnessed some of the most significant increases in infections, with over five million positive cases.
IATA pointed out that travel restrictions have marked a drastic change in societies and economies, with capacity and incomes halved and preventing families and individuals from being together.
The paradox is that in April-May 2021, during the period when strict travel rules were applied, the infection rates were the highest in the history of the pandemic.
"We have seen that when a variant is mentioned, then everyone closes the borders and restricts travel. It is really important to stay open and focused on the issue, not to punish the countries that have reported and made outstanding scientific discoveries about new strains and because we are open and transparent about what they find. ” Mike Ryan, CEO of World Health.