Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks at a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C.
The nation's top infectious disease expert said Monday that the federal government should consider requiring Covid-19 vaccines for domestic flights.
In an interview with MSNBC, Dr. Anthony Fauci said that making vaccinations a requirement would encourage more people to get them. If you want to do that with domestic flights, that should be considered.
There is no indication that a vaccine mandate is imminent. Fauci wouldn't say if he made the recommendation to Biden.
CNBC asked the White House if it would respond.
Passengers in the U.S. are required to wear masks to board planes and wear them for the duration of the flight.
International travelers must show proof of vaccinations and a negative Covid test in order to board a US bound flight.
Airlines have canceled more than 2,000 flights since Friday due to an outbreak of omicron variant among staff.
omicron accounts for over 70% of new infections in the country as of last Monday. The highly infectious variant has caused a few states, including New Jersey and New York, to report more coronaviruses cases than in any other seven-day period since the start of the Pandemic.
New York City is one of a few cities in the US that require proof of vaccine to attend in-door venues such as Broadway theaters, sports arenas, restaurants and fitness centers.
