Despite CDC warnings, Eppley Airfield seeing spike in holiday travel

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Despite CDC recommendations, the U.S. has seen a spike in air travel as the holidays approach; and Nebraska is no expectation. Something that Local medical experts express concern for as the pandemic rages on in the Midwest.

“This is probably going to be the busiest time in the terminal since March when the pandemic set in,” Director of Air Service and Business Development for Omaha Airport Authority, Steve McCoy said.

Just this week, Eppley Airfield expects about 86,000 travelers to pass through the airport. Although this is only half the amount of travelers they would usually see over Thanksgiving week, the airport is still stepping up their disinfecting procedures.

“You can tell people are nervous. People are definitely not as comfortable traveling right now,” traveler Adan Torres said.

But, despite feelings of unease, a survey by the University of Michigan shows one in three U.S. parents believes gathering with family for Thanksgiving is work the risk.

“The question that I think comes up is, is it a risk that everybody who is going to be at that table is willing to take,” UNMC infectious diseases expert Dr. Kelly Cawcutt asked.

The CDC’s most recent Thanksgiving recommendations state that the best way to protect yourself and others is to postpone travel plans and stay home for the holiday.

“If you’re going to ignore that advice, then I think you very clearly need to be looking carefully at who’s at risk and either excluding them or minimizing their risk and doing all the other things that could potentially be done to make it a little safer,” UNMC infectious diseases expert Dr. Mark Rupp said.

With Nebraska seeing a record number of cases and hospitalizations, medical experts just hope the holidays lead to an even worse spike in these numbers.

“I think that what people need to do is to have a little bit of a longer view for these things and that is that this year,” Dr. Rupp said. “It’s just too dangerous to come together at Thanksgiving. But we need to hold out the hope that next year we’re going to be in a lot better place.”