WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. is transferring to require that every one air vacationers getting into the nation present a damaging COVID-19 check carried out inside in the future of departure in response to issues a couple of new coronavirus variant, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) mentioned late on Tuesday.
Presently, vaccinated worldwide air vacationers can current a damaging check outcome obtained inside three days from their level of departure. Practically all international nationals have to be vaccinated to enter the US. Unvaccinated vacationers at present should get a damaging COVID-19 check inside in the future of arrival.
The brand new one-day testing requirement would apply equally to U.S. residents in addition to international nationals.
Reuters reported earlier {that a} draft proposal was circulating amongst authorities companies for the stricter testing requirement.
A CDC spokeswoman confirmed the company is working to switch its international testing guidelines for journey “as we be taught extra concerning the Omicron variant; a revised order would shorten the timeline for required testing for all worldwide air vacationers to in the future earlier than departure to the US.”
The administration can also be contemplating whether or not to require air vacationers to get one other COVID-19 check inside three to 5 days after arrival in the US, officers mentioned.
The CDC didn’t verify that, however famous it continues to advocate all “vacationers ought to get a COVID-19 viral check 3-5 days after arrival” and “post-travel quarantine for any unvaccinated vacationers.”
The stricter guidelines could possibly be introduced Thursday, nevertheless it was not clear once they would possibly take impact.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky mentioned the company “is evaluating the right way to make worldwide journey as secure as doable, together with pre-departure testing nearer to the time of flight and concerns round extra post-arrival testing and self-quarantines.”
On Monday, the White Home barred almost all international nationals who’ve just lately been in South Africa and 7 different southern African international locations over issues concerning the Omicron variant.
A White Home official mentioned earlier Tuesday the administration is evaluating COVID-19 measures “together with contemplating extra stringent testing necessities for worldwide journey.”
On Tuesday, the CDC suggested Individuals in opposition to journey to Niger, Papua New Guinea, Poland, and Trinidad and Tobago, citing COVID-19 issues.
The CDC now lists about 80 international locations as having “Degree 4,” its highest stage of COVID-19 transmission, and discourages Individuals from touring to these locations.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; modifying by Sandra Maler, Cynthia Osterman and Leslie Adler)
