The new Omicron variant of COVID-19 has prompted the administration of President Joe Biden to impose more strict testing and scurvy requirements for travelers arriving in the United States.
Travelers entering the country by air will have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day of departure, regardless of vaccination status or nationality.
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The White House said that the new one-day test requirement will begin next week.
The White House said that the tighter testing timeline provides an added degree of public health protection.
The federal mask mandate for wearing face masks on planes, trains, and public transportation will be extended through March 18. The new plan expands free testing for Americans.
The first case of Omicron in the US was confirmed by the CDC on Tuesday.
The traveler returned from South Africa on November 22. The person who had mild symptoms but was fully vaccined is self-quarantining and has tested positive. The CDC confirmed in a news release that all close contacts have tested negative.
The U.S. reopened to international travel on November 8th, requiring fully vaccineed individuals to present proof of inoculation and a negative viral test within three days of their flight. Due to concerns over the new Omicron variant, the Biden administration is limiting travel from a number of countries.
The World Health Organization has warned against travel bans, but this week it issued a new travel advisory for people who are older than 60, and people with certain health conditions, because of the emergence of the Omicron variant.
According to a new poll from MedJet, fears of the Omicron variant won't affect travel as respondents still have their future travel plans in place.
This interactive guide gives the latest insight on travel around the world.
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