come from trusted sources and that they satisfy the requirements of the destination country . In reality these apps are nothing more than an electronic certificate to say the traveller has been tested or vaccinated against COVID and offer no other information relevant to travel and health requirements , including information about Yellow Fever or Rabies .
Some believe that non-vaccinated travellers should not be discriminated against allowing for special dispensation like a negative COVID test prior and during travel , and even the continued wearing of masks .
“ It will take a significant amount of time to vaccinate the global population , particularly those in less advanced countries ,” explained Gloria Guevara of the World Travel & Tourism Council . “ Or those in different age groups , therefore we should not discriminate against those who wish to travel but have not been vaccinated .
“ The common-sense approach is to allow the free movement of people who can prove a negative test result , rather than reserve travelling or jobs for a small minority who have been vaccinated ,” Ms Guevara continued .
“ Furthermore , the most vulnerable groups should be prioritised , a blanket vaccination requirement would simply discriminate against non-vulnerable groups , such as Generation X , Z and Millennials , who should be able to travel with proof of a negative COVID test .”
Interesting comments when considering that over 70 % of Traverse readers who responded to our survey were in the Generation X bracket and all are keen to get travelling and riding internationally again however , recent reports suggest that over 70 % of Australians want to keep the international borders closed .
Ms Guevara ’ s comments have recently been backed by many business leaders including that of Virgin Australia CEO Jayne Hrdlicka who said that Australia ’ s restrictions on travel need to be eased before the end of 2022 as had been suggested by the Australian government .
Ms Hrdlicka said that Australia needs to learn to live with COVID and accept that people will still die despite vaccination levels .
“ It will be a difficult thing to do politically because the narrative needs to change . It needs to change so that COVID will become part of the community ,” Ms Hrdlicka said . “ It will make us sick but won ’ t put us into hospital . Some people may die but it will be way smaller than the flu .
“ We ’ re forgetting the fact we have learnt to live with lots of viruses and challenges over the years and the
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