Travelers abroad to the USA will no longer have to present a negative coronavirus test before their flight on Sunday. The CDC health authority in Washington announced this on Friday (local time). The pandemic has “entered a new phase” due to widespread vaccination, the availability of treatment options, and increase immunity within the population, the agency said, explaining the move.
As a result, it said, the risk in the U.S. of becoming severely ill with corona or even death has decreased. The U.S. travel industry had long called for an end to mandatory testing for fully vaccinated air travelers.
Travelers with destinations in the U.S. must currently be tested the day before their international flight and are only allowed on board with a negative result. The testing requirement applies to both foreigners and Americans regardless of vaccination status. People freshly recovered from Covid-19 and can show a letter from a doctor or health authority are exempt. Flights within the U.S., on the other hand, are not subject to mandatory testing and, following a federal court ruling, are no longer subject to compulsory masking.
The U.S. travel industry has called for an end to mandatory testing as soon as possible. In a letter from airlines, airports, hotel chains, and industry associations and companies to the White House Coronavirus Coordinator last month, it was said that the economic losses due to the measure would be significant. In addition, it was pointed out that there is no mandatory testing at land borders with Canada and Mexico.
- source: k.at/picture: pixabay.com
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