By James Simons-
Rynair Airline has apologized after making a 12-year-old boy with autism take a COVID-19 test before boarding a flight, despite an exemption letter from his doctor, the BBC reported.
Ryanair, the Irish-owned airline carrier, made Callum Hollingsworth take the test before traveling home to the UK from Spain on August 3, Katy Hollingsworth, his mother, told the BBC.
Callum’s doctor wrote a letter exempting him from taking a COVID-19 test after “a nightmare” experience trying to get him tested in January, Hollingsworth told the BBC. The family presented this letter at the airport, but staff insisted that Callum take a test, she said.
Individuals who can “present a note from a medical practitioner at check in” exempting them do not need to take a test, according to official guidance.
Hollingsworth told the BBC that Callum — who has autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — was “petrified” taking the test and “started hitting the chair and then started hitting himself.”
Ryanair said in a statement: “We continue to make improvements and implement procedures to ensure the health and safety of our passengers and our crew is prioritized while complying with each country’s government guidelines at all times,” the statement said.
Callum Hollingsworth, 12, was travelling with his mum Katy to the UK from Valencia and was technically exempt from taking the test due to his hidden disability.
The boy had previously taken a Covid test in January which Katy called a “nightmare” and he took another one before he left the UK, but his family said they spent two months preparing him for this.
During his return on August 3 , after his family arrived the airport, they were told Callum must have another Covid test in order to board the plane, despite showing Ryanair staff the letter.
A video taken by Callum’s father, the boy is visibly distressed and can be seen kicking his legs in the air while trying to tell the medical staff that he had previously taken a swab test.
“I put it right there,” Callum points at his nose and pants before breaking into tears.
His father says behind the camera: “A child with ADHD and autism refused Ryanair flight even with GP letter stating exemption.
“Not good enough for Ryanair desk. This is what has to happen to get on a Ryanair flight.”