The United States is set to eliminate the need to conduct a COVID-19 test for travelers arriving in the country by air, the White House announced Friday.
In the face of the arrival of the Omicron variant, American health authorities have tightened screening procedures for entry into the United States in December 2021. All travelers over the age of two, who board a flight to the United States, are need to show less negative evaluation. than one day before take-off, regardless of their vaccination status.
A spokesman for the presidency, Kevin Munoz, announced on Twitter the removal of this requirement. He indicated that health authorities would continue to assess needs based on science and the context of the circulation of variants.
The end of the obligation will take effect on Sunday, according to U.S. media.
On the other hand, the government has not specified, at this stage, whether it retains the vaccination obligation for non -resident aliens entering the United States.
Several other countries, particularly in Europe, have stopped requiring a pre-boarding test from international travelers.
Following the court’s decision, the mandatory wearing of a mask was also lifted in the United States in April on public transportation, and specifically on airplanes.
The virus continues to rage
The United States currently sees more than 100,000 new cases of COVID-19 per day, a number that is greatly underestimated, experts say. The recent surge has been linked to Omicron sub-variants.
About 300 people still die every day due to the disease in the country. However, health authorities emphasize the many remedies available, including vaccines and the antiviral Paxlovid in case of infection.
The removal of restrictions is a strong demand from the economic sector, in particular airlines, which are eager to accelerate the return to normal.
We believe we have made the necessary progress for lift this demand, and I think that’s good news for business travel, also good news for American commerce and companiesexplained on CNBC channel Brian Deese, President Joe Biden’s chief economic adviser.
Airlines 4 America, the federation of American airlines, welcomed in a press release the government’s decision to will help encourage and restore flights to the United States for the benefit of communities in the country whose economy depends heavily on travel and tourism.
We look forward to welcoming the millions of travelers who are willing to come to the United States for vacation, business, or just to be with loved ones again.said its president Nicholas Calio.
France Media Agency
Source: Radio-Canada
