Among the many insurance policies being thought of is a requirement that each one air vacationers to the U.S. be examined for COVID-19 inside a day of boarding their flight.
The Biden administration is anticipated to take steps within the coming days to toughen testing necessities for worldwide vacationers to the U.S., together with each vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, amid the unfold of the brand new omicron variant of the coronavirus.
The exact testing protocols had been nonetheless being finalized forward of a speech by President Joe Biden deliberate for Thursday on the nation’s plans to regulate the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the winter season, based on a senior administration official who mentioned some particulars might nonetheless change. Among the many insurance policies being thought of is a requirement that each one air vacationers to the U.S. be examined for COVID-19 inside a day of boarding their flight. Presently those that are totally vaccinated might current a check taken inside three days of boarding.
“CDC is evaluating tips on how to make worldwide journey as protected as potential, together with pre-departure testing nearer to the time of flight and issues round extra post-arrival testing and self-quarantines,” Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky mentioned Tuesday.
The official, who spoke on the situation of anonymity to debate the administration’s plans earlier than the announcement, mentioned choices into consideration additionally embody post-arrival testing necessities or and even self-quarantines.
The anticipated transfer comes simply weeks after the U.S. largely reopened its borders to completely vaccinated overseas vacationers on Nov. 8.
A lot stays unknown concerning the new variant, which has been recognized in additional than 20 international locations however not but within the U.S., together with whether or not it’s extra contagious, whether or not it makes individuals extra significantly unwell, and whether or not it could possibly thwart the vaccine. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the highest U.S. infectious illness professional, mentioned extra could be identified concerning the omicron pressure in two to 4 weeks as scientists develop and check lab samples of the virus.
As he sought to quell public concern concerning the new variant, Biden mentioned that in his Thursday remarks, “I’ll be placing ahead an in depth technique outlining how we’re going to battle COVID this winter — not with shutdowns or lockdowns however with extra widespread vaccinations, boosters, testing, and extra.”
Requested by reporters if he would seek the advice of with allies about any modifications in journey guidelines, provided that former President Donald Trump had caught world leaders unexpectedly, Biden mentioned: “In contrast to Trump I don’t shock our allies.”