COVID again messing with holiday plans

ORLANDO, Fla. — There’s no shortage of holiday reminders at the Orlando International Airport around the Christmas season. A giant tree looms over the Terminal B lounge. Decorations adorn the halls. Tourists flock to gates in Santa hats and Mickey ears.

This year, there’s an additional reminder: a large crowd of people gathered next to the Universal store in the Terminal A atrium, filling out coronavirus testing paperwork and waiting for rapid results.

“It’s really important to my family and to me to keep everyone safe,” Mickey McClanahan said, after getting swabbed.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

McClanahan, a political staff member in Cincinnati, traveled to Central Florida last week without COVID-19 on her mind. As cases surged across the country, her parents asked her to get tested before returning from her vacation to join family gatherings.

OIA’s site was the sixth or seventh that she tried. Others were drive-thru only and either couldn’t serve tourists or were fully booked.

“We’re getting a test today before we get on the plane,” she said. “Then we’re actually going to quarantine for 24 hours and get another test tomorrow.”

Read: Coronavirus: NHL temporarily suspends league-wide operations to slow COVID-19 spread

McClanahan’s plans weren’t the only ones altered. Others waiting in line were worried about feeling slightly off as they prepared a full week ahead. Some, like the Ohioan, were trying to get assurance before giving out hugs.

For other families, it’s already too late. Outbreaks at college campuses have forced students to turn around while driving home after learning of positive test results. The ones who found out Monday will miss Christmas Day celebrations, due to the CDC’s 10-day guidance.

The agency isn’t calling on Americans to cancel their plans, though. For families who have been vaccinated (and boosted, if they qualify), the recommendations are to get tested before visiting someone else’s home, wear a mask in crowded public spaces and hold events outside if possible.

Read: Omicron now dominant US coronavirus strain, CDC says

The people who are discouraged from gathering are the unvaccinated and those who feel under the weather.

“Be prudent,” Dr. Anthony Fauci summarized.

OIA’s testing site is available 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and until 7 p.m. on the weekends. The last test is run approximately 15 minutes prior to closure. Unlike Barnett Park, the tests at this site are offered by AdventHealth and are not free.

Read: Demand for COVID-19 testing rises as Orange County positivity rate tops 5%

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.