In travel news for March 30, 2022 we have a COVID policy update from Sweden, an update from the CDC about Cruise ships, and more calls to end the federal transportation Mask Mandate.
Sweden is the most recent addition to a number of countries that have dropping all COVID related travel restrictions and policies. Starting April 1, Sweden will welcome all travelers without need to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test. Currently Sweden requires proof of vaccination or proof of a negative covid test, well for one more day. This following other countries such as Ireland and the United Kingdom in dropping all covid entry protocols.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has removed cruse ships from the Travel Health Notices after more than two years. This means that the CDC is no longer advising people to avoid taking a Cruise. Cruise lines largely viewed this as being late but still welcome news. Many cruise lines have put passenger safety first by improving HVAC systems with hospital grade filtration and implementing strict protocols for crew including consistent testing regiments and rapid response to any possible infection of COVID. Many cruise lines have argued that because of captive nature of both crew and guests, along with these protocols, that traveling on a cruise ship is safer then staying in a resort.
We’ve previously talked about how travel associations, the CEO’s of the major airlines, and the United States Senate have all called for an end to the aviation Mask Mandate. Well another group is joining the call. A group of attorney generals from 21 states are asking a federal judge to block this and other COVID travel restrictions. With every state ending mask mandates and more and more countries completely eliminating COVID restrictions it’s only a matter of time before the United States follows. Currently there has been no movement on the federal level on removing these policies.