The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised Americans to stay home this holiday season. But the day before Christmas Eve, more than 1.1 million people boarded airplanes — the greatest number of air travelers since March, according to data compiled by the Transportation Security Administration.
TSA data showed that some 1,191,123 travelers passed through airport checkpoints nationwide on Wednesday, the largest number of people since March 16, when more than 1.2 million people got on planes as the coronavirus was first taking hold in the United States.
The recent trend lines suggest some Americans are not following CDC advisories. From last Friday to Sunday, a combined 3.2 million people boarded planes, according to agency data — more than 1 million daily passengers.
Related: Follow these tips to travel and vacation safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
“If you choose to travel this holiday, please wear a mask,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said in a tweet announcing the apparent uptick in pandemic-era air travel.
But overall, air travel remains lower than years past. The day before Christmas Eve last year, for example, saw close to 2 million people — 1,937,235 — cross airport checkpoints, according to the TSA.
The recent rise in the number of travelers echoes a similar increase around Thanksgiving. The day before that holiday, 1,070,967 people went through TSA checkpoints. It was part of a spike in travel in the seven days leading up to Thanksgiving that brought more than 6.8 million people to airports.
In recent weeks, the CDC has encouraged Americans to reconsider holiday travel plans, highlighting the health risks associated with commercial transportation and gathering with groups of people outside your immediate family.
“Travel may increase your chance of spreading and getting COVID-19,” the CDC says in a message on its website. “CDC continues to recommend postponing travel and staying home, as this is the best way to protect yourself and others this year.”
-
Mutated coronavirus may have already arrived in US, experts worry
TODAY
-
Drew Barrymore shares secret solution for tight-fitting clothes
TODAY
-
Moderna vaccine is now being rolled out nationwide
TODAY
-
Watch: Biden receives coronavirus vaccine
TODAY
-
How 1 woman’s battle with endometriosis led to a hysterectomy at 37
TODAY
-
Mental toll of COVID-19 on health workers is ‘incalculable,’ California doctor says
TODAY
-
Passenger with COVID-19-like symptoms dies on plane
TODAY
-
9-year-old bone cancer survivor shares her journey
TODAY
-
Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will be a lifeline for rural America
TODAY
-
FDA grants emergency use authorization for 2nd COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna
TODAY
-
Farmers sentenced in listeria outbreak case
TODAY
-
VP Pence receives Covid vaccine at public event: ‘Hope is on the way’
TODAY
-
Fauci: Vaccine is not a substitute for standard public health measures of wearing a mask
TODAY
-
The state of COVID-19 testing in the US
TODAY
-
Vice president Pence receives coronavirus vaccine live on camera
TODAY
-
Savannah Guthrie’s pastor offers message of hope for the holidays
TODAY
-
Mutated coronavirus may have already arrived in US, experts worry
As the mutated and extra contagious coronavirus strain rages in the United Kingdom, there are new concerns it may have already arrived here in the States. Experts are also worried about a post-Christmas surge here. NBC national correspondent Miguel Almaguer reports for TODAY from hard-hit Los Angeles.
TODAY -
Drew Barrymore shares secret solution for tight-fitting clothes
Actor-turned-talk show host Drew Barrymore took fans inside her wardrobe closet to show how she makes tight clothes fit better. She also opened up about stress eating during the pandemic and asked if others could relate.
TODAY -
Moderna vaccine is now being rolled out nationwide
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is now being delivered across the country along with Pfizer’s vaccine, and none too soon: Health officials are warning the pandemic could still get worse. Meanwhile, a CDC panel is recommending that people 75 and older be among those next in line for vaccinations. NBC’s Tom Costello reports for TODAY.
TODAY
The American Automobile Association, for its part, said earlier this month that it expected most Americans to stay home instead of traveling over the holidays.
In a news release Dec. 15, the AAA said it expected up to 84.5 million Americans could travel between Dec. 23 and Jan. 3 — a decrease of at least 29 percent compared to last year’s figures.
Source: Read Full Article