The welcome announcement of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine gave the world new hope, wrote CIDRAP on November 13, 2020. But that same Minnesota University’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy gave a word of warning too. Travel may return to a new normal eventually, as CNN Travel describes. But there are much, much higher priorities for the vaccine now.
A Period of Exceptional Need Ahead of Thanksgiving
There is talk of great pressure on hospitals in some states already. But the first 20 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine may only be available in December. Travel will remain a low priority as healthcare and other emergency workers take up the first batch and then some. CIDRAP reports hospitals bracing for even bleaker days this mid-November 2020.
Nations in Europe and Asia are reporting new record numbers of infections, despite harsh lock downs. Microsoft reports three ‘state-sponsored hacking attempts on seven companies developing COVID-19 vaccines’. Two came from North Korea, while the third originated in Russia. A battle over scarce resources would complicate international travel further.
How Travel May Return to a ‘New Normal’, Eventually
The prospect of international travel loosening up saw airline and cruise ship share prices rallying, according to CNN Travel. However, that ‘holiday of a lifetime’ may take longer to materialize than you may wish. We would need COVID-19 security in place at all travel touch points. Not everybody is ready to store (and transport) an expensive vaccine at minus -94º F / -70º C.
Travel specialist doctor Felicity Nicholson agrees travel may return to a new normal eventually, using COVID-19 certificates along the lines of yellow fever ones. Destination countries will expect this for entry, especially those with vulnerable or older populations. Felicity believes those who missed their 2020 holidays will hope for something special. Could this be niche holidays in small groups again?
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Preview Image: International Tourism Arrivals
