There’s a new type of line to wait in at the airport: United Airlines said it will begin providing COVID-19 screening tests for passengers on certain routes, allowing those who test negative to skip any quarantine requirements after they land.The airline plans to start with a program for people traveling from San Francisco International Airport to Hawaii. The state currently requires all people arriving from out of state, including residents and tourists, to self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival—except those who provide confirmation of a coronavirus test taken within the previous 72 hours. Starting Oct. 15, people headed to the airport will have the option of getting their test done ahead of time or waiting until the last minute—either by completing a self-collected, mail-in test before their trip or taking a rapid COVID-19 test at SFO.
Through a partnership with providers GoHealth Urgent Care and Dignity Health, the United terminal will use Abbott’s rapid ID NOW swab test, which aims to provide a result within 15 minutes on the day of departure. United has previously worked with GoHealth to test its international flight crews.Meanwhile, the airline has teamed up with Color to supply the mail-in test option for gathering earlier samples. Customers will be prompted to purchase a self-collection kit at least 10 days ahead, with samples either mailed overnight or placed in a drop box at SFO. Results are expected to be returned within 24 to 48 hours.
Australian Firm Says its Nasal Spray Reduced Coronavirus Growth in Animal Study
Australian biotech company Ena Respiratory said on Monday that a nasal spray it is developing to improve the human immune system to fight common cold and flu significantly reduced the growth of the coronavirus in a recent study on animals.A study on ferrets showed the product dubbed INNA-051, which could be used complementary to vaccines, lowered the levels of the virus that causes COVID-19 by up to 96%, the company said.
The study was led by British government agency Public Health England.Ena Respiratory said it would be ready to test INNA-051 in human trials in less than four months, subject to successful toxicity studies and regulatory approval. The company has raised A$11.7 million ($8.24 million) for the development of the spray. Investors include venture capital firm Brandon Capital Ltd, the Australian federal government, pension funds and biotech giant CSL Ltd CSL.AX.