An Asean travel bubble could magnify the region's economic benefits without significantly raising health risks, if implemented according to a plan.
INDONESIA has the highest number of Covid-19 infections in Asean, but remains the only country in the region that has resisted a general lockdown. Air travel, however, remains highly restrictive, like with other Asean countries. With a Covid-19 vaccine on the horizon, should Indonesia and other Asean countries wait before opening borders?
Waiting could end up being costly because turning vaccines into vaccinations to achieve herd immunity will take time. Reaching herd immunity may be required before allowing quarantine-free travel because those vaccinated may still be infectious, despite being immune from the disease. Even those vaccinated may pass on the infection to those who have not, who may then acquire the disease.
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