*****UPDATE: The new requirements have now been confirmed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – more details are available here.*****
Rules for entering the United States are likely to be tightened as a result of the new omicron strain of Covid-19, it is being reported. Bloomberg news says the new measures will be announced tomorrow (Thursday) by U.S President Joe Biden.
The new rules would see air travellers to the U.S being tested within 24 hours prior to boarding their flight to the US. Currently, the rules are within 72 hours. There are no plans to change the test from an antigen test to a PCR test.
Nevertheless, the new tests will put further pressure on both travellers and on the testing facilities in countries, and also adds to the uncertainties for those who are planning trips to the U.S in coming months.
Meanwhile The Washington Post is reporting that the Biden administration is also considering measures such as a 7-day self-quarantine and retesting several days after arrival.
Meanwhile, according to Bloomberg, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has ordered airlines to provide the names of passengers arriving in the U.S. who have traveled to southern Africa in recent days.
CDC Demands Airlines Identify Flyers Who Visited Southern Africa
