Blocking seats in aircraft reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As airlines continue to allow passengers to book middle seats in aircraft, new research suggests that the middle seat may be empty to reduce the spread of the virus by between 23% and 57%, according to the CDC’s report released on Wednesday.
Blocking middle seats on aircraft reduces the risk of exposure to COVID-19, according to a new CDC report. (iStock)
“Research suggests that sitting near aircraft is associated with an increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19,” the CDC said in the report.
In the study, conducted in collaboration with Kansas State University, researchers measured how far air particles traveled inside the plane using mannequins that emitted aerosol in a ridiculous aircraft cabin. The study did not consider vaccinations or wearing a face mask.
TSA SIGNS 1.5 MILLION TRAVELERS IN ONE DAY FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MARCH 2020
Delta is currently the only airline in the US that still blocks the middle seats, but it will allow passengers to book it after May 1st. Other airlines justified the re-discussion by suggesting that air filters in most aircraft are safe for travelers. wearing a face mask, a federal regulation. American Airlines ended the reservation of seats in the middle seat in July, which made flight bookings possible at 100%, while United Airlines could not restrict seats on aircraft at all during the pandemic. Southwest Airlines began rebooking seats in December.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The U.S. trip continues to return to airports across the country that see more than 1 million passengers daily, a milestone that has not been seen since March 2020, the Transport Security Administration reported. And it is unclear whether airlines will return to the middle seat in aircraft as the industry continues to bounce back. The Associated Press, a trade group for the largest U.S. airlines, Airlines for America, cited a Harvard University report finding a low transmission rate of the virus in aircraft. report.
The CDC released new travel guidelines earlier this month indicating that fully vaccinated passengers can travel safely in the US without being tested or self-quarantined. The health agency continued to encourage all travelers to continue wearing masks, hand washing and social distance.
Associated Press contributed to this report