The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has set a new policy regarding international travelers entering the United States. The foreign passengers will be required to present proof of a negative coronavirus test before coming to the US. The policy takes effect on January 26.
International travelers must get a viral test within three days of their flight to the U.S., providing either documentation of test results or proof of recovery from the virus to the airline. Airlines are required to deny any passenger who does not adhere to these guidelines.
“Testing does not eliminate all risk,” Dr. Robert R. Redfield, the director of the CDC, said in a statement Tuesday. “But when combined with a period of staying at home and everyday precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, it can make travel safer, healthier, and more responsible by reducing spread on planes, in airports, and at destinations.”
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According to a CBS News report, a negative test is required for all passengers, regardless of whether or not they have been vaccinated. It is not yet clear whether vaccination prevents transmission of the virus.
The CDC said that testing for international travelers before and after air travel is critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19. It cited the possibly more infectious variants of COVID-19 and the surging cases in the U.S. as evidence for stricter travel limitations.
Consistent strategy
“This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more efficiently protects the health of Americans,” it said.
The CDC also recommends getting tested again three to five days after travel, and isolating at home for a week.
These international travelers restrictions come while a variant of the COVID-19 has been detected in several U.S. states.
