TRIBUNNEWS.COM – A warning to people who frequently travel by air to be careful.

The reason for this is that passengers on the plane are more likely to get the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Even the transmission on the plane can be two or even three times.

Quoted by Kontan from The Straits Times, this new strain is highly contagious and has become dominant within a few weeks. As evidence, Omicron variants account for more than 70% of all new cases in the US alone.

Also read: New Delhi prepares for 100,000 daily cases of Covid-19 as Omicron spreads in India

Omicron spread quickly as more and more travelers flew in for year-end vacations and family get-togethers.

According to Dr. David Powell, doctor and medical advisor to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents nearly 300 airlines around the world, business class may be safer than the crowded economy cabins.

Passengers should still avoid personal contact and frequently touched surfaces, and people sitting close together should try not to take off their masks while eating.

Also read: Promotion of herd immunity, Covid-19 vaccinations for the age of 6 to 11 years are intensified

“The risk of getting infected can increase, as can the risk of going to the supermarket or taking the bus,” said Dr. Powell, former Air New Zealand chief medical officer, who spoke to Bloomberg News about flying during a pandemic on Tuesday.

Below are the questions and answers about the Omicron variant with Dr. Powell, quoted from The Straits Times:

What are the risks of infection during the flight?