A strategy to contain the COVID-19 coronavirus that traction globally since the outbreak began is the widespread implementation of travel restrictions.

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines thinks these travel restrictions are overblown and not helping the situation. The statement from the association indicates a World Health Organisation report showing COVID-19 has already been detected in more than 100 countries. The spread, the association reported, is now predominantly happening through local transmission.

In addition to being ineffective at spreading disease, the restrictions cause disruptions to supply chains, commerce, trade and people’s livelihoods. More than 90 countries introduced some kind of travel ban to attempt to curb the rate of infection.

“The airline industry is fully committed to the safety and well-being of the travelling public. Asia Pacific airlines are well-equipped to handle health crises, and are strictly following established guidelines developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in consultation with the WHO and Airports Council International (ACI), covering the management of public health risks,” said Andrew Herdman, director general, AAPA.

The association claims countries imposing travel restrictions are not meeting the required rationale of the International Health Regulations. These regulations include countries notifying WHO of the reason for the limitation in terms of an associated public health rationale. Only about 45 countries globally followed this step, AAPA claimed.

Herdman’s statement goes on to argue the restrictions have a massive cost with little-to-no public health benefit.

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