The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) yesterday shortened its recommended isolation period for asymptomatic individuals infected with Covid-19 from 10 days to five, in a potential boon for US fuel demand.
The CDC moved to loosen restrictions for asymptomatic people in view of data showing that Covid-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the first two days prior to onset of symptoms and the two-to-three days after, the agency said in advised guidance released yesterday.
"These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives," said CDC director Rochelle Walensky. "Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather."
US airlines have in recent weeks lobbied the administration of President Joe Biden for such a change, as the spread of the Omicron variant has strained the ability of transport industries to maintain normal staffing levels.
United Airlines said the spread of Omicron "had a direct impact on our flight crews and the people who run our operation" over the Christmas holiday and was one reason for the 115 cancellations on the carrier's network yesterday.
American Airlines also cancelled an unspecified number of flights yesterday due to Covid 19-related sick calls.
Delta Air Lines said the shortened isolation period recommended by CDC allows more flexibility "to schedule crews and employees to support a busy holiday travel season and a sustained return to travel by customers."
Vaccine mandates and Covid-19-related restrictions also have an effect on the trucking sector and demand for diesel. A number of trucking unions sued the Biden administration in early November over a mandate that requires businesses with 100 employees or more to be fully vaccinated or conduct regular testing starting on 4 January.
Cloudy skies ahead
US jet fuel demand could falter in coming weeks if new travel restrictions are imposed. With Omicron cases on the rise across the country, the US should consider enforcing vaccine requirements for domestic flights, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Anthony Fauci said in an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" yesterday.
But the Biden administration may be more inclined to continue loosening restrictions to help spur travel demand and US industries. The president yesterday nullified a presidential proclamation issued in late November that suspended the entry of travelers from eight countries in Africa following Omicron's initial detection in South Africa.
"Our nation's health officials, in collaboration with the South African scientists who originally reported the variant, have made substantial progress in understanding the Omicron variant," Biden said in a proclamation yesterday. "Importantly, scientific experts have determined that people who are vaccinated against Covid-19 are protected against severe disease and hospitalization from the Omicron variant."
Air travel demand has waned amid Omicron's spread. The number of passengers screened at US airports between 24 and 26 December totaled 5.3mn, up by 75.4pc from levels recorded last year but 30.4pc below pre-pandemic levels recorded in 2019.
Air travel demand reached an 18-week high of 14.2mn for the week ending 3 December, 16pc below the same week in 2019.
