United States to require negative COVID-19 tests for international travelers

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday approved a measure that will require all international air travelers to obtain a negative COVID-19[female[feminine test before flying to the states. The ordinance comes into effect on January 26.

“Pre-travel and post-travel testing is critical in slowing the introduction and spread of COVID-19,” the CDC said in a statement. “This strategy is consistent with the current phase of the pandemic and more effectively protects the health of Americans.”

All passengers entering the United States will be required to obtain negative test results within three days before the flight or provide the airline with documentation they have retrieved from COVID-19. If passengers do not provide this, they will not be able to board.

“Testing does not eliminate all risk,” CDC director Robert R. Redfield said in a statement, “but when combined with a period of stay at home and daily precautions like wearing masks and social distancing, they can make travel safer, healthier and more responsible by reducing the spread on planes, at airports and at destinations. ”

The measure comes as more contagious strains of coronavirus are popping up in the world in places like UK and the WE. Meanwhile, vaccination efforts continue as the US struggles to tackle spike in COVID-19 cases. The United States currently has two COVID-19 vaccines approved, Moderna and Pfizer, which are administered nationwide. Experts say it is essential to continue wearing a mask and practicing social distancing until enough Americans are vaccinated, which is still several months away.

See also: The COVID-19 vaccination card is not an immunity passport. Here is the difference

The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended for health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.