FORT MYERS
With the COVID-19 vaccine becoming more widespread, Easter is the first holiday when many of you can safely gather together and finally hug your family members.
On Friday, U.S. air traffic set a pandemic-era record when the TSA screened more than 1.5 million people at airports.
Many people packed their bags and returned to Southwest Florida International Airport, some for the first time since the pandemic began.
Evan Mounts was from Ohio. “We were actually here when Ohio began to close, so much fear and concern that we weren’t sure if we should go home at that time. We haven’t been anywhere since, ”said Mounts.
Scott Shirley is from Indianapolis. “It’s been 16 months since we had vacation so it was long expected,” said Shirley.
People have longed for a vacation and now they can finally enjoy one. The CDC says when you’re fully vaccinated, you can take off. No pre-flight tests and no quarantine required afterwards.
Dr. Rebekah Bernard is President of the Collier County Medical Society. “It is very difficult for people to travel and get tested all the time, and that is probably not necessary at this point based on what we know about the vaccine and the effectiveness of the vaccine,” said Dr. Bernard.
The decision is made now that there is more confidence in the effectiveness of the vaccine. Despite this green light, however, the CDC still only funds necessary travel. So, maybe you don’t book the summer vacation flights yet.
“We’re not quite normal yet. It is a very good sign, it is very positive that we still have to be a little cautious and cautious, ”said Dr. Bernard.
Scott Shirley said he was about to be fully vaccinated. And he’s ready to feel less stressed out while traveling.
“It’s a lot nicer to go on vacation without worrying about a few things,” said Shirley.
If you are not fully vaccinated, the CDC still recommends getting tested before you travel and quarantining yourself afterwards.
Dr. Bernard says the new guidelines and vaccine effectiveness could provide new incentives for those previously on the fence to get vaccinated.
