Despite warnings from the CDC, more than 3 million travelers passed through TSA checkpoints over the weekend.
Most of them were flying home to see friends or family for the Christmas holiday. It’s the first time since travel demand plummeted back in March that the numbers have been this high.
Travel demand is down by 62 percent, but the numbers are still concerning.
Experts worry the surge in cases that follow the holiday could be devastating. It has the potential to overwhelm hospitals and lead to more lockdowns and increased economical despair.
The good news is that many Americans appear to be getting tested before heading for the airport.
There are long lines at many testing centers as people attempt to determine whether they’re safe to be around loved ones.
While testing does help, it can also create a false sense of security. The incubation period can last up to two weeks.
That means someone can test negative while still carrying and spreading the virus.
The Post-Thanksgiving Spike case
Although Americans were warned not to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, many did it.
The 10 days before and after the holiday were the busiest for air travel since the beginning of the pandemic.
The United States is now seeing a spike in cases. Experts believe it resulted from this intense period of travel.
Two weeks after Thanksgiving, covid-19 cases began to rise by more than 20 percent.
Hospitalizations went up by about the same amount. Deaths increased greatly, surpassing 3,000 in a single day.
Hospitals are not only running out of beds, but they’re also dealing with staff shortages.
With Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaching, many are wondering if we’ll see an even greater spike soon.
Unfortunately, with so many determined to travel or not following the biosafety rules, it’s looking like there’s no end in sight.
