December 21, 2021 Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH Director Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road, NE Atlanta, GA 30333 Dear Dr. Walensky: We are writing on behalf of Delta Air Lines to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reconsider the current guideline for 10 days of isolation in fully vaccinated individuals who experience breakthrough COVID-19 infections. This guidance was developed in 2020 when the pandemic was in a different phase without effective vaccines and treatments. At Delta, over 90% of our workforce are fully vaccinated, and those rates are increasing daily. Our employees represent an essential workforce to enable Americans who need to travel domestically and internationally. With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations. Similar to healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages and create significant disruptions. Further, all airline personnel are required to mask at airports and on airplanes. Current data suggest that Omicron is 25–50% more contagious, and likely less virulent and associated with more mild disease particularly among individuals who are fully vaccinated... (cont' on next image)
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