Delta Air Lines Teams With CVS for Rapid COVID-19 Employee Testing

Image: PHOTO: Delta Air Lines Plane Engine. (photo via Delta Air Lines)
Image: PHOTO: Delta Air Lines Plane Engine. (photo via Delta Air Lines)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 11:14 AM ET, Tue August 18, 2020

Delta Air Lines announced a new partnership with CVS Health to accelerate coronavirus testing for employees.

Delta and CVS Health will provide the carrier with a rapid-response option for flight crews, which will be overseen by a clinician stationed in crew lounges and take fewer than 15 minutes to get a positive or negative result.

The CVS Health Return Ready nasal-swab testing is the newest testing option Delta is providing employees so a baseline understanding of the infection can be established across the company.

"Just like there's no single method to reducing the transmission of the virus, there's no one solution to testing our global workforce that is always on the move," Delta Executive Vice President Joanne Smith said. "That's why we're excited to be partnering with CVS Health and their clinicians to offer an additional convenient and reliable option to our people."

The partnership with CVS Health is just another layer of the health and safety guidelines implemented by the airline since the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. Delta currently tests employees regularly, takes temperatures, mandates masks, enforces social distancing and more.

"It's not feasible right now for everyone to take a test every time they walk out the door," Smith said. "That's why our baseline testing is so important, and we're grateful to have partners who share our values and our vision to make testing easy and accessible to all Delta employees."

"We intend to use what we learn from this round of testing to make sure our re-testing program is one that continues to instill confidence among our people and with consumers about traveling with Delta," Smith continued.

Last month, Delta also announced a collaboration with RB, the makers of Lysol, through which it aims to develop breakthrough disinfection solutions and even further elevate standards for hygiene in air travel.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Mexico's Pacific ParadiseMonday, October 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most captivating beach destinations. Nestled between...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Puerto Vallarta: Mexico's Pacific ParadiseMonday, October 19, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover why Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most captivating beach destinations. Nestled between...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel AdvisorsTuesday, October 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Discover Alaska with Princess: Expert Insights and Selling Strategies for Travel Advisors webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
MSC Cruises Exclusive Preview: New MSC World Atlantic Reveal & MoreWednesday, October 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
As we approach the one-year countdown to the highly anticipated arrival of MSC World Atlantic, join...