Delta updated its statement Tuesday to remove the reference to “a common, seasonal virus.” A spokesman told NPR via email that it did so “for clarity and accuracy.”
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Yuki Iwamura / AFP via Getty Images
Delta updated its statement Tuesday to remove the reference to “a common, seasonal virus.” A spokesman told NPR via email that it did so “for clarity and accuracy.”
Yuki Iwamura / AFP via Getty Images
Delta Airlines has updated its announcement about ending federal mask regulation after sparking a wave of criticism from public health experts who said the airline used incorrect language. and misleading to describe COVID-19.
The airline said in the airline’s original version “We are pleased to see the US face mask ban lifted to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 has transitioned to a common seasonal virus,” the airline said in the original version of Second statement.
Passengers, medical professionals and public health leaders quickly took to social media to dispute the claim and point out the lack of scientific evidence behind it. Delta updated its statement at 10 a.m. ET on Tuesday, with a spokesperson telling NPR via email it did so “for clarity and accuracy” and declined to comment further. .
The updated paragraph reads: “We are relieved to see the US order to upgrade masks to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 transforms into a respiratory virus. respiratory tract more manageable – with better treatments, vaccines and other scientific ways to prevent serious illness.”
However, Delta leadership has used similar language in recent days.
The airline ended its $200 monthly surcharge on unvaccinated employee health coverage this month, CNBC reported. Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian announced the policy change during a call last week in which he said the decision was made “given the fact that we truly believe the pandemic has turned to a seasonal viruses.”
Public health experts and passengers took to Twitter to fact-check the claim and express their disappointment.
“I don’t care what you think about masking, but Delta’s comment that #SARSCOV2 has transformed to become a ‘regular seasonal virus’ are just rumors, with no scientific basis. and completely misinformation misleading their clients (of which I am one!), “wrote the Yale epidemiologist and global health activist Gregg Gonsalves.
Many pointed out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had made no assessment on COVID-19, which has killed more than 90,000 Americans in two years, continues to infect thousands daily, and is being increased again in parts of the country. Critics also insist that the federal mandate was ended by a judge’s ruling rather than any new medical or scientific development.
Others said Delta’s statement disrespect people people who have lost their lives to the virus, and note that many people – especially those who are immunocompromised and vulnerable – are still at risk.
Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, a health epidemiologist and economist, described Delta’s statement as misinformation and nonsense. He shown that the number of deaths from the new pandemic has passed 20 million, and that the number of deaths globally is “still amazingly above normal.”
“My source said that Delta did not consult its senior medical adviser prior to releasing this misinformation,” he added. “Hope Delta will fix it ASAP!”
Jessica Malaty Rivera, a science communicator and senior advisor at the Institute for Pandemic Prevention, note that “Regular” viruses do not cause 1 million deaths in a country in just 2 years. “
Critics also take issue with the use of the word “seasonal”, pointing out that the virus has increased in waves throughout the year and can still infect humans. in any season.
“This is news from the public health experts at Delta Airlines. Based on the judge’s decision, COVID is now a ‘seasonal virus’,” tweeted Andy Slavitt, former adviser on Biden’s pandemic response team. “There’s no word yet on ‘what season.’ “
Dr Victoria Dooley, a family medicine doctor, added that the virus not only infects and kills throughout the year, but can also have a lasting effect on those who recover.
“What season? All,” she wrote. “Is it normal? Too normal, it kills 100 everyday and makes 1000 disabled.”
Many social media users say Delta has permanently lost their business, with some pledge never to fly on the airline again and again call their message completely “cold.” Another said she just canceled a non-stop Delta flight to switch to a connecting flight with another airline, and will “never come back.”
This story originally appeared in Morning version live blogs.
