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By Jaryn Vecchio

COVID Travelling

P.A. residents still planning to travel for holidays despite Omicron variant

Dec 8, 2021 | 2:00 PM

The Omicron variant isn’t scaring some Prince Albert residents from travelling out of the country for the holidays.

The variant was first discovered in southern Africa and has started to pop up in different countries across the globe. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe announced on Wednesday the province is dealing with its first cases.

Mike Bayda, Owner of Lobstick Travel, told paNOW the only trips he’s had to cancel were ones set for southern Africa.

He said despite there being COVID measures for travellers, many feel it’s not enough to cancel their plans.

“Worst case, when you’re coming back from most of the world you take a test when you arrive, you go home, and you quarantine until the test says you’re not infected.”

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Those who test positive would need to isolate until they no longer have symptoms and it’s been at least 10 days.

However, with information about Omicron popping up frequently, there are chances measures could change before and during people’s trips.

Susan Currie, travel consultant with Travel Masters Prince Albert, adds it’s hard to find an exact, concrete answer for those with concerns.

“I just had a conversation with somebody that a family member shared their experience and that’s how I’m learning a lot of it.”

Currie noted information about the variant and restrictions are simply too vague which is causing a lot of strain on airports and travel agencies.

Despite this, the majority of her clients also want to move forward with their plans.

Meanwhile, P.A. travel agencies are still seeing fewer clients walk through their doors than before the pandemic started.

Bayda claimed he’s had good months here and there, however, most people still have some anxiety over travelling right now.

“The numbers are up and down, any travel agent that tells you they’re not down is lying.”

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow