Southwest Airways Co. Chief Govt
Gary Kelly,
who attended a Senate listening to earlier this week, examined optimistic for Covid-19, an organization spokeswoman mentioned Friday.
Mr. Kelly was at a Senate Commerce Committee listening to on Wednesday with executives from different main airways, answering lawmakers’ questions in regards to the journey restoration. He examined unfavourable a number of occasions earlier than the listening to and examined optimistic after returning dwelling, mentioned Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King.
She mentioned Mr. Kelly, 66 years previous, is totally vaccinated, obtained a booster earlier this 12 months and is experiencing gentle signs.
Different executives on the listening to included American Airways Group Inc. CEO
Doug Parker,
United Airways Holdings Inc. CEO Scott Kirby and Delta Air Traces Inc. Chief of Operations John Laughter.
A United spokeswoman mentioned earlier Friday that Mr. Kirby hadn’t examined optimistic. A Delta spokeswoman mentioned Mr. Laughter examined unfavourable on Thursday and Friday. An American spokeswoman mentioned Mr. Parker has no signs, however can be examined Friday afternoon.
Many of the executives wore masks once they arrived on the Capitol. However they, and a few committee members, have been unmasked once they spoke through the listening to. Others within the room have been sporting face coverings.
The wide-ranging listening to coated subjects together with the deserves of Covid-19 support to airways, charges and refund insurance policies, worker vaccination insurance policies, masks necessities and an rising pilot scarcity.
When Sen.
Roger Wicker
(R., Miss.) requested the executives whether or not passengers would ever be capable of forgo masks on flights, Mr. Kelly on Wednesday mentioned masks might not do a lot to reinforce security due to the air flow and air filtration onboard.
In a message to staff Friday following his optimistic take a look at outcome, Mr. Kelly clarified that Southwest helps the federal requirement that individuals put on masks on airplanes and different types of transportation and isn’t in search of to alter it.
“Nearly all of our Workers and Clients have felt it has been an necessary layer of safety, and I actually agree with that,” he mentioned. “So we’ll proceed to depend on the recommendation of our medical consultants concerning the need of masks. And my apologies for any confusion!”
Sara Nelson,
the president of the Affiliation of Flight Attendants-CWA, additionally testified at Wednesday’s Senate committee listening to.
“I used to be suggested by Gary Kelly shortly after he examined optimistic and, mockingly, simply as I used to be returning to work after getting the booster shot,” Ms. Nelson mentioned. “I’m following CDC protocols and can take a look at a number of occasions inside the 5-7 day advisable interval, and earlier than touring with my household for the vacations.”
Sen.
Maria Cantwell
(D., Wash.), the Commerce Committee chairwoman, mentioned the incident underscores the significance of getting vaccinated and following well being and security protocols.
Mr. Kelly’s optimistic take a look at comes as Covid-19 instances have been rising in elements of the U.S., and officers are urging folks to take precautions because the Omicron variant quickly spreads.
The seven-day common of newly reported Covid-19 instances within the U.S. stood at 121,707 on Thursday, based on information compiled by Johns Hopkins College, in contrast with 85,060 a month earlier. In Washington, D.C., the seven-day common was 273.6, in contrast with 87.6 a month earlier.
Write to Alison Sider at alison.sider@wsj.com
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