Who’s in Who’s out Who’s out
Omicron is the latest COVID-19 variation deemed a ” version of concern ” by the World Health Organization. This has led to new restrictions on travel in many countries. Scientists have expressed concerns that omicron may be more transmittable or resistant to vaccines than previous variants.
On November 26, 2021, The United States will join an ever-growing list of countries that have banned travelers from southern Africa, where the variant was first identified. The U.S. move followed a recent change that went into effect Nov. 8, 2020, requiring all non-citizens who enter the U.S. via plane to be fully immunized, with some exceptions. All passengers entering the U.S. by plane must have a COVID-19 negative test.
We are bioethicists who work in the U.S. as well as Ghana. In our research, we examine the intersection between global health and ethical issues. We see that the U.S. Government’s new rules for entry have far-reaching implications, which should encourage policymakers to consider ethics.
What is the best way to buy time?
Travel rules that ban travel or require full vaccination have many supporters. As he announced the requirement for vaccination, President Joe Biden stated that the goal of U.S. policies is to “prevent the further introduction, transmission and spread” of COVID-19 in and throughout the United States. He said that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “has determined that getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent infection by the Delta variant and slow down the spread of COVID-19.”
Morally, the goal of containing the spread is to save lives and protect the health. The first duty of a country is to protect its citizens. Many countries protect their citizens while maintaining flexibility. For example, they test and quarantine visitors instead of imposing strict vaccination requirements or travel bans. France, for instance, adapts its needs according to the infection rate. France, for example, considers the U.S. an “orange”-country. This means that unvaccinated Americans are required to show negative COVID-19 test results and self-isolate for seven days.
Some people argue that travel bans can slow down the spread of the disease and buy scientists time to learn more. Anthony Fauci, U.S. government’s top infectious diseases advisor, reportedly told the President that it would take at least two weeks for definitive answers to be available about omicron. The travel ban allows scientists additional time to test existing vaccines against new variants and reformulate vaccines as needed.
A moral argument in favor of vaccine requirements is the fact that people must be held responsible for their decisions, even if they refuse vaccination. In many parts of the world, especially in poorer areas, vaccines are not available. Only 6% of low-income country residents have received a COVID-19 dose, as compared to 74% of rich countries.
Science in flux
Travel bans and vaccination requirements are not foolproof, say critics. Travel restrictions are unlikely to reduce the spread of disease, especially if they’re not implemented at the right time and combined with alternative prevention strategies. Many studies have also highlighted the negative effects of international travel restrictions. These include xenophobia, mental health concerns, and a host of other issues.
The vaccines are highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. The vaccinated can still be infected or transmitting the virus. However, they are more likely to be contagious and less likely to contract COVID-19. Could be undercut by new viruses. is not yet certain whether omicron affects vaccine effectiveness. There is also uncertainty regarding the duration of vaccination protection.