Air Travel in the Time of COVID-19: A Risky Proposition?

In a time when many are taking extra precautions to avoid contracting the novel coronavirus, one family's experience at an airport in Toronto paints a bleak picture. The family, consisting of a mother and daughter, had planned to drive to Toronto for an education conference hosted by the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA). However, due to inclement weather they were forced to take a flight with Porter Airlines instead. Upon arriving at the airport, they noticed that not only were other passengers not wearing masks, but neither were some of the staff members. The mother and daughter felt alone in their efforts to stay safe and healthy while traveling. This is just one example of how air travel has become increasingly risky during this pandemic. With airlines struggling financially due to decreased demand and fewer flights being offered, it is likely that safety protocols have been relaxed or even disregarded altogether. This could lead to potentially dangerous situations where travelers may be exposed to COVID-19 without even knowing it. Furthermore, airports themselves can be hotspots for virus transmission due to their enclosed nature and large crowds of people coming from all over the world. It is important for travelers who must fly during this time to take extra precautions such as wearing masks at all times and practicing social distancing whenever possible. Unfortunately, these measures may not always be enough if other passengers or staff members are not following them as well. In light of this experience at Toronto's airport, it appears that air travel during the pandemic remains a risky proposition for those looking for safe transportation options. Until more stringent safety protocols are put into place or until more people start taking personal responsibility for their own health by wearing masks and socially distancing from others when necessary, air travel will continue to pose serious risks for those who choose it as their mode of transportation during these uncertain times.