Two days after testifying in Congress and saying that the masks did not help contain the coronavirus, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly announced that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Kelly, who appeared at a Senate hearing in the middle of this week alongside officials from other airlines without wearing a mask, was diagnosed Friday, according to a statement from Southwest Airlines.
"Although he tested negative several times prior to the Senate Commerce Committee hearing, Gary tested positive for COVID-19 after returning home, experienced mild symptoms, and underwent a PCR test," according to the statement.
“He is fine and is currently resting at home,
is fully vaccinated and received the booster earlier this year.
Gary's symptoms remain mild and each day he approaches a full recovery. "
From left to right: American Airlines CEO Doug Parker;
Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly;
and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby at a Senate hearing, Dec. 15, 2021.AP
Kelly and the CEOs of other airlines such as United Airlines and American Airlines testified in person for more than three hours Wednesday afternoon.
Legislators did not wear masks during the hearing,
which was held to discuss the use of $ 54 billion in federal payroll support that airlines received to deal with the hit from the pandemic.
Senators questioned witnesses about recent flight disruptions, airline hiring problems, as well as vaccine and mask mandates.
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When Republican Senator Roger Wicker asked airline CEOs if they anticipate that passengers will not have to wear masks on board, Kelly defended the effectiveness of aircraft air filtration and circulation systems, saying:
“ I think it is a strong argument that the masks do not contribute much or (contribute) nothing in the environment of the cabin ”.
The Biden Administration has required public transportation passengers to wear masks since February, although airlines began requiring them in the spring of 2020 when the pandemic began.
Earlier this month, the Administration extended the mandate until March 18.
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Following the announcement of her contagion, Kelly softened her tone and said she supported the federal mandate.
"I confused some (during the hearing) with a short answer to a question about masks," he said.
And he added that
he and Southwest support the current federal mandate for masks in airports and airplanes.
"Most of our employees and customers have felt that it has been an important layer of protection, and I certainly agree with that," he continued.
“Therefore, we will
continue to rely on the advice of our medical experts
regarding the need for masks.
And my apologies for any confusion! "
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby;
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker;
and Delta Chief Operating Officer John Laughter, who sat next to or near Kelly in the audience, tested negative for COVID-19 on Friday.
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Air transport has been one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic.
Since the health emergency began, the demand for tickets has gradually recovered.
Airline executives told lawmakers Wednesday that they are bracing for an increase in flights in the busy Christmas season, despite the spread of the omicron variant.