Orange County leaders said they know discussions are underway about possible travel restrictions from the White House.They specifically commented on a rule that could require a negative COVID-19 test for domestic air travel.“The vaccine is rolling out significantly across the county. Almost all the metropolitan areas have seen significant declines at this point so I don’t believe that’s necessary,” Mayor Jerry Demings said.Reports indicate any restrictions would be meant to target the new COVID-19 variants. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Florida has 347 cases of the strain traced back to the U.K., more than twice the state that has the second-most, California. Both Orlando and Orange County’s mayors oppose the idea. “We’re headed in the right direction and taking the right precautions here and people can make their own choice about whether they’re going to travel,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said.The region’s tourist development tax collections on hotel rooms reached just over $10.5 million for the month of December, down 59% from last year.During the county’s coronavirus briefing, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s CEO Phil Brown claimed tests for domestic travel could have an impact on other tests locally. “That has to affect the efficacy and availability of the community testing that’s already proven very effective,” Brown said.A White House spokesperson said they have not made any decisions at this point and are just discussing recommendations.
Orange County leaders said they know discussions are underway about possible travel restrictions from the White House.
They specifically commented on a rule that could require a negative COVID-19 test for domestic air travel.
“The vaccine is rolling out significantly across the county. Almost all the metropolitan areas have seen significant declines at this point so I don’t believe that’s necessary,” Mayor Jerry Demings said.
Reports indicate any restrictions would be meant to target the new COVID-19 variants.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Florida has 347 cases of the strain traced back to the U.K., more than twice the state that has the second-most, California.
Both Orlando and Orange County’s mayors oppose the idea.
“We’re headed in the right direction and taking the right precautions here and people can make their own choice about whether they’re going to travel,” Mayor Buddy Dyer said.
The region’s tourist development tax collections on hotel rooms reached just over $10.5 million for the month of December, down 59% from last year.
During the county’s coronavirus briefing, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s CEO Phil Brown claimed tests for domestic travel could have an impact on other tests locally.
“That has to affect the efficacy and availability of the community testing that’s already proven very effective,” Brown said.
A White House spokesperson said they have not made any decisions at this point and are just discussing recommendations.