New York. The US government has limited the duration of quarantines in the hope of reducing absenteeism in the face of the exponential increase in cases of Covid-19, which forces the suspension of flights, the closure of restaurants and the cancellation of shows, a measure that the economic world welcomed in a different way.
The initiative has been well received by companies, particularly airlines and restaurant owners, but has been heavily criticized by unions, who fear increased pressure on workers to work.
According to economists, the measure should have a marginal impact on the country’s activity in general.
“I think it can help us because it is hard to find” labor, says Dimitri Fetokakis, owner of three Houston restaurants that employ about 120 people. “We must continue to run our business,” he said.
Pandemic fatigue
Health authorities halved the recommended quarantine time for Covid-19 positive people, from ten to five days for asymptomatic people and from 14 to five days for cases of contact with the unvaccinated.
Most infections occur in the two days before and three after the onset of symptoms, say the authorities, who must strike a delicate balance between protecting health and economy.
Delta Airline, which had publicly called for the change, welcomed Biden’s decision.
It allows “more flexibility in organizing crew and employee schedules during the particularly busy year-end holiday period.”
When the administration decided last week to shorten the isolation periods for health personnel, the NNU nurses union predicted “more transmission, illness and death.”
Reference-www.eleconomista.com.mx