The United States is “ actively seeking ” to make COVID-19 testing mandatory for …

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Jan.26 (Reuters) – The Biden administration is “actively seeking” to extend mandatory COVID-19 testing to travelers on domestic U.S. flights, a senior Center for Disease Control and Prevention official said on Tuesday.

On a call with reporters, Dr Marty Cetron, director of the CDC’s Global Migration and Quarantine Division, was asked about the possibility of using new domestic travel test requirements. Cetron replied that there were “conversations going on and considering what the types and locations of testing might be … We are actively reviewing it.”

Last week, President Joe Biden ordered US agencies to make recommendations to “impose additional public health measures on domestic travel” and consider new requirements for people crossing land borders. Reuters reported on Friday that administration officials said this could include requiring negative COVID-19 tests before flying into the country.

“We realize that there has been a dramatic evolution and increase in testing platforms and testing capacity. I think this is a really important part of our toolkit to tackle this pandemic. “Cetron said.

New CDC rules came into effect on Tuesday, requiring almost all international air travelers aged 2 and over to present a negative coronavirus test taken within three calendar days of travel or proof of recovery from COVID-19 to enter the United States.

In discussions with airline officials, the CDC said it was also considering requiring national testing. Some airline officials fear that these requirements will reduce the already weak demand for air travel.

The CDC said on Sunday it would not grant a waiver to exempt travelers from certain countries with limited testing capacity. Many US airlines had requested waivers.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State Ian Brownlee told reporters the CDC “does not currently issue federal quarantine orders” but recommends quarantining himself for seven days after returning from a trip and having undergone COVID-19 testing after arrival.

Brownlee said that “the main message to US citizens who are considering traveling overseas remains the same: seriously reconsider going overseas right now. If you are overseas right now, it will be more difficult. to go home for a while. ” (Reporting by David Shepardson, editing by Rosalba O’Brien)

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