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

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Watch Now!
Sell More, Your Way: Real-World Avanti Success Stories with Two Top AdvisorsTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Avanti Destinations’ Director of National Accounts, Ken Pringle, and two high-performing travel...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...
Watch Now!
July Avanti Destinations WebinarTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Save your spot for this upcoming webinar! Details coming soon!
Watch Now!
Sell More, Your Way: Real-World Avanti Success Stories with Two Top AdvisorsTuesday, July 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Avanti Destinations’ Director of National Accounts, Ken Pringle, and two high-performing travel...
Upcoming Webinar
Authentically Mediterranean: Discover Celestyal’s New Western Mediterranean Itineraries & Iconic ClassicsTuesday, July 21, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
The Mediterranean is more than just a destination, it’s our home. Join Celestyal to learn why we are...