ASTA this week joined a coalition of nearly 600 other organizations asking Congress to adopt "targeted and temporary liability protections" against Covid-19-related lawsuits filed against businesses and other organizations.
In its Travel Advisor Daily newsletter, ASTA said it jumped on board because "among the many barriers in the way of a full travel recovery is the threat of Covid-related lawsuits against travel sellers."
The letter argues that businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers and educational institutions need to be protected from "unfair lawsuits," especially as the administration works to reopen schools and strengthen the economy.
According to the coalition's letter, there are signs that an influx of litigation is coming: In 2020, it said, more than $23 million was spent by plaintiffs' firms on lawsuit advertisements related to Covid-19.
"As employers, educational institutions, and others answer President Biden's very appropriate call for face coverings and other protective steps, they should not have to worry that their actions will invite costly and unnecessary litigation," the letter states.
Congress is considering the president's coronavirus relief aids. The coalition said now, as those negotiations are ongoing, is the time to consider liability relief.