LOUISVILLE, Ky. — At Muhammad Ali International Airport, America is on the move. Air travel is increasing at a steady pace as the traditional spring break season approaches. 

“Our capacity is up 63% from the same time last year," Natalie Chaudoin told Spectrum News 1. Air travel at the Louisville-based airport is also up 45% from just last month. 

“We are seeing more people wanting to travel, the airlines are responding. SDF has a record 35 non-stops, and Spirit Airlines recently announced they will be launching flights from Louisville," the airport spokesperson added. 

The question is, will the increase in travel lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases? The Louisville Metro Health Department will be paying close attention to the numbers in the coming weeks.

COVID-19 cases are continuing to decline in the Commonwealth, and health officials hope the downward trend continues. But even as the vaccine rollout continues, the majority of Americans have yet to receive the shot. 

“We saw increases in COVID[-19] after July 4th last year, after fall break, after Thanksgiving, and so spring break falls into that same category," Dr. Sarah Moyer said during Mayor Greg Fischer's weekly COVID-19 briefing. 

Moyer, Louisville's chief health strategist, is asking travelers to keep group outings small, socially distance on the beach, and test before and after traveling. 

“I think we are in a little different position now that we have a vaccine and less anxious about those that are traveling, that are vaccinated, but we still have 80% of our community that is not vaccinated yet including all of our kids.”

The latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does say it's OK for fully vaccinated people to mingle without masks and social distancing, but as Moyer stated, most young people have not been vaccinated. And while young adults face the least risk from the virus, they are still able to spread the illness to other more vulnerable people. That's why Moyer continues to stress testing before and after traveling.