Delta Air Lines will become the first carrier to help the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention trace international travelers who fly while infected with COVID-19.
The project is aimed at keeping “international customers informed of potential COVID-19 exposure.”
"Along with our nine global airline partners, we are working with government agencies, health officials and aviation authorities to offer safer travel at every point in your journey," the company said in a news release issued Thursday.
Delta will start asking customers to provide information for tracing beginning Dec. 15. The information includes the passengers’ full names, email address, U.S. address, primary phone number and secondary phone number. The information will be sent to the CDC.
“Independent studies have shown that the many layers of protection Delta has already put in place are effectively minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and contact tracing adds one more important layer to our efforts to ensure safety throughout travel,” said Bill Lentsch, Delta’s Chief Customer Experience Officer.
“We want customers to feel safe when they return to travel, and this voluntary program is another way we can provide additional reassurance to customers and employees alike.”