Why Omicron? Who else feels like just when the domestic and international Covid-19 travel rules were starting to stabilize, Omicron came along?
The Omicron variant is a variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It was first reported to the World Health Organization from South Africa on 24 November 2021 (source: WHO).
It all started when the South African health authorities informed the world of their discovery of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in late November 2021.
Presently, WHO is in coordination with a large number of researchers around the world to have a better understanding of the Omicron variant. Studies currently underway include assessments of transmissibility, the severity of infection and symptoms, the performance of vaccines, etc.
While all these are going on, many countries like the U.S have enforced new travel and flight rules.
In this article, Raymart Aviation will be answering all of your questions concerning how safe or unsafe it is to fly during the Omicron crisis.
Let’s hop right into it:
HOW OMICRON IMPACTS TRAVEL
Flight cancellation has been on the increase since the wake of the Omicron variant. This is due to the high risks of getting infected during a flight. Therefore, flights to certain destinations are being canceled or delayed. Leading to clashes in schedules for both airlines and travelers. Travel bans were made from and to places like Botswana, Nigeria, Lesotho, Mozambique, Hong Kong, South Africa, Namibia, etc.
Everyone onboard is more likely to get infected by Covid-19 during a flight since the emergence of the omicron variant. This is according to the top medical advisers.
HOW RISKY IS IT TO FLY DURING THIS PERIOD?
When it comes to Omicron, the risk comes solely from proximity to other people. More rarely, the infection can be caused by contact with surfaces contaminated with droplets. Studies have found that the primary risk on a flight comes from sitting within two rows of a contagious person. No matter the duration of the flight.
WHAT CAN PASSENGERS DO TO STAY SAFE WHILE FLYING
Safety is our watchword at Raymart Aviation so here are some ways that you can fly safely this season:
- BOOK A PRIVATE JET: Concerning the current state of the world and aviation industry. One of the major benefits of flying a private jet charter is to ensure safety. Not in terms of aircraft incidents and accidents, though. Safety, in the terms of viruses. The use of private jets for this purpose grew rapidly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
- ALWAYS WEAR A MASK: Medical-grade masks are now much easier to access and they come highly recommended by medical experts. In any situation where it is necessary to take off the mask to eat or drink on board. It is advised that patience is exerted until the closest passengers have all masked up. People who are sitting near each other shouldn’t be unmasked at the same time during meals. Two masked people have a minimal risk of transmission.
- USE BUSINESS/FIRST CLASS: Economy cabins are more densely packed. Thereby, increasing the risk of contracting the virus while flying. Business-class carries a smaller number of passengers. Which enables more distancing between passengers.
However, the Omicron spread has not affected domestic flights the way international flights are scheduled.
No matter how you decide to fly, Raymart Aviation is here for you. Your safety is assured with our well-detailed services.
Just give us a call today at +234 701 9991 000/ +1 (410) 578 9871 and let’s make plans for you to fly in the safest way possible onboard any of our private jets.