Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that it is expanding the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all air passengers entering the U.S., citing the existence of more transmissible variants of the COVID-19 virus in other countries, as well as the current surge of the virus in the U.S. The order will go into effect on Jan. 26.
“Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19,” CDC said in a release. “This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more efficiently protects the health of Americans.”
Testing before and after travel is a critical layer to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19.
Within three days prior to flying to the U.S., passengers must get tested for COVID-19 and secure written documentation of their laboratory test result. Airlines are responsible for confirming the negative test result for all passengers, and they must deny boarding to any passengers unable to provide a negative test result.
CDC recommends that travelers get tested again three to five days after arriving in the U.S., and to stay home for seven days post-travel.
In the statement, CDC’s director, Robert Redfield, reminded travelers that “testing does not eliminate all risk,” and should be coupled with periods of staying at home, wearing masks and social distancing.
The Details
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov
