Rapid COVID-19 testing at YVR contributes to safer travel: study

RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – Rapid COVID-19 antigen testing contributes to safer and healthier air travel, according to a study based at Vancouver International Airport’s WestJet domestic terminal.

The study, sponsored by WestJet and The Vancouver Airport Authority and carried out by UBC and Providence Health Care, saw nearly 600 British Columbians leaving YVR voluntarily tested over a four-month period between November and February. None tested positive, and the study suggests many felt it made them more confident about the safety of their trip.

““These findings provide real-world evidence that rapid antigen testing is a highly effective way of screening for passengers who may be carrying the COVID virus. The results provide passengers with greater confidence of healthy air travel.” said co-investigation lead Dr. Don Sin of UBC’s Faculty of Medicine.

Related: Domestic WestJet passengers can now get a rapid test for COVID-19 at YVR

The tests took about 15 to 20 minutes, and the study found it had minimal disruptions to travel.

The study was located at WestJet’s domestic check-in area and was open to British Columbians between the ages of 19 and 80 who had not tested positive for COVID-19 in the previous 90 days.

“Data gathered will be used for future testing strategies for the aviation industry, adding another layer of science-based health protocols to help reopen travel in a safe and efficient manner and to restore confidence amongst travellers,” Vancouver Airport Authority president Tamara Vrooman said. “We’re also hopeful that our study results will go beyond aviation and prove useful across other industries as we move through the pandemic.”