December 21, 2021
Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH
Director
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
D
ear Dr. Walensky:
We are writing on behalf of Delta Air Lines to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to
reconsider the current guideline for 10 days of isolation in fully vaccinated individuals who experience
breakthrough COVID-19 infections.
This guidance was developed in 2020 when the pandemic was in a different phase without effective
vaccines and treatments. At Delta, over 90% of our workforce are fully vaccinated, and those rates are
increasing daily. Our employees represent an essential workforce to enable Americans who need to travel
domestically and internationally. With the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, the 10-day isolation for
those who are fully vaccinated may significantly impact our workforce and operations. Similar to
healthcare, police, fire, and public transportation workforces, the Omicron surge may exacerbate shortages
and create significant disruptions. Further, all airline personnel are required to mask at airports and on
airplanes.
Current data suggest that Omicron is 25-50% more contagious, and likely less virulent and associated with
more mild disease particularly among individuals who are fully vaccinated. Further, Omicron is
associated with a shorter incubation period and infectious period among the fully vaccinated.
To address the potential impact of the current isolation policy safely, we propose a 5-day isolation from
symptom onset for those who experience a breakthrough infection. Individuals would be able to end
isolation with an appropriate testing protocol. As part of this policy change, we would be interested to
partner with CDC and collect empirical data.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the CDC to protect the health and safety of our
people, customers and communities as the pandemic evolves.
A
ll our very best,
Carlos del Rio, MD Henry Ting, MD Ed Bastian
Medical Advisor SVP and Chief Health Officer Chief Executive Officer
Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines, Inc., Post Office Box 20706, Atlanta, GA 30320-6001, U.S.A.
