News Story Summaries
United Airlines to Offer COVID-19 Testing
On September 24, 2020 United Airlines announced the launch of a COVID-19 pilot testing program. It begins on October 15, 2020 for customers traveling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Hawaii.
Customers can take a rapid test before boarding or a self-collected, mail-in test that must be submitted within 72 hours before their flight. Negative results allow customers to skip the mandatory 14-day quarantine requirement. The rapid test results take 15 minutes but costs $250, and the mail-in test costs $80. If the pilot program is successful United Airlines hopes to expand to other airports across the United States.
Bibliography
Aratani, Lori. “United to Be First U.S. Airline to Offer Coronavirus Tests for Passengers.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 24 Sept. 2020, www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2020/09/24/united-offers-covid-tests/.
Schaper, David. “United Airlines Says It Will Offer Travelers Coronavirus Tests At The Airport.” NPR, NPR, 24 Sept. 2020, www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/09/24/916541587/united-airlines-says-it-will-offer-travelers-coronavirus-tests-at-the-airport.
Florida Gov. Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions
On September 25, 2020 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for Florida businesses at a news briefing. All restaurants and businesses can open at full capacity effective immediately.
Gov. DeSantis also announced that people who refuse to wear face masks or face coverings can no longer be fined or penalized for their decision. Gov. DeSantis says he has seen a steady drop in coronavirus cases since mid-July. Although he does not believe cases will begin to rise again he is confident that they are prepared to handle that situation should it occur.
Bibliography
Allen, Greg. “Florida's Governor Lifts All COVID-19 Restrictions On Businesses Statewide.” NPR, NPR, 25 Sept. 2020, www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/09/25/916969969/floridas-governor-lifts-all-covid-19-restrictions-on-businesses-statewide.
Dzhanova, Yelena. “Florida Gov. DeSantis Lifted All Restrictions on Restaurants and Small Businesses as the Coronavirus Continues to Spread.” Business Insider, Business Insider, 26 Sept. 2020, www.businessinsider.com/florida-gov-ron-desantis-lift-coronavirus-restrictions-statewide-2020-9.