Isolation vs. Risk-based travel
Isolation vs. Risk-based travel
The WHO in its latest guidance (July 2021), recommended a risk-based approach to international travel in the context of COVID-19.
This approach made recommendations regarding vaccination, testing, quarantine, and other considerations. Many of States rely on the guidance of the WHO as key in the development of national health policies during the pandemic.
The recommendation on vaccination states the States should not require proof of Covid vaccination as mandatory for entry or exit; lifting of testing and/or quarantine requirements to travelers who are fully vaccinated, at least two weeks prior to travelling or have had previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and are no longer infectious; and offer alternatives to travel for individuals who are unvaccinated or do not have proof of past infection, such as through the use of negative PCR tests.
Although the pandemic crosses borders by the movement of persons, 17 months and several variants later, it seems futile to fight the pandemic by complete isolation. Risk-based travel is simply common sense. Therefore States in embracing this guidance, should endeavour to destigmatize travel and focus on the promotion of safe practices as we seek to adjust our lives to yet another threat.