ABSTRACT
Upon declaring a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020, WHO recommended against the adoption of travel restrictions to prevent the international spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The subsequent near-universal use of a broad range of travel measures occurred amid evolving evidence of their effectiveness at slowing virus introduction and onward transmission at international borders when used in particular ways. As a result, WHO, some member states, and international organizations have shifted to supporting “a risk-based approach to international travel in the context of COVID-19”. However, a comparative analysis of publicly available risk-based approaches suggests limited consensus on what such an approach would entail. In addition, existing frameworks focus on assessing, managing, and communicating travel-related public health risks as scientific and technical challenges. To advance an agreed approach, this chapter sets out a broader framework of key decision points to strengthen border management during PHEICs. This includes additional decision points that involve mediation among normative frameworks and associated goals, values, and interests. An improved international legal framework to effectively manage travel-related risks will thus need to combine better risk science with improved governance.
