Delta Air Lines updated its policy for workers who will test positive for COVID19. Delta’s updated policy comes after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shortened the recommended isolation period for COVID19-positive individuals. According to the agency, asymptomatic individuals and those that have improving symptoms can just isolate for 5 days instead of 10 days.
Delta was one of the first carriers to adapt the new guidelines. Before CDC’s announcement, the carrier sent a letter to the CDC asking the agency to shorten the isolation period for breakthrough cases citing manpower issues.
Delta’s Updated Policy
Delta’s updated policy, made on Tuesday, will provide workers who test positive five days of paid leave. It encourages COVID-positive workers to get a test before going back to work. However, testing isn’t required. Also, Delta doesn’t mention if employees returning to work need to have improving symptoms.
Delta’s spokesperson said that the carrier is “strongly recommending our people get tested prior to returning to work, regardless of symptoms (or absence of)”. However, the spokesperson didn’t say whether the airline will request to see the result of the test.
The Association of Flight Attendants is asking airlines to require testing after the end of the five-day isolation period. The union also initially opposed the idea of shortening the isolation period.
According to the memo, Delta will extend the five-day paid leave by two days if the worker still tests positive. This is only available for vaccinated workers. Before CDC’s update, the carrier offered 10 days of paid leave.
Holiday Cancelations and Delays
A lot of airlines experienced delays and cancelations during the holidays due to staffing shortages caused by workers getting sick from COVID19. In Delta’s letter to the CDC, it warned that a 10-day isolation period will “significantly impact” operations.
According to Delta, 97% of their workforce completed their COVID19 doses. Unlike other airlines that mandated vaccination, Delta’s unvaccinated workers pay an additional $200 per month.
