WASHINGTON: The Biden administration is “actively looking” at extending mandatory COVID-19 testing to passengers on U.S. domestic flights, the chief executive of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday (January 26) .
Called by reporters, Dr Marty Cetron, director for the Global Migration and Quarantine Department at CDC, was asked if new domestic travel test requirements could be hired. Cetron responded that “discussions are ongoing and looking at the possible types and locations of testing … We are actively looking at it”.
Last week, President Joe Biden instructed U.S. agencies to make proposals to “implement additional public health measures for domestic travel” and consider new requirements for people traveling abroad. on land boundaries.
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Reuters reported Friday that administration officials said that could include requesting negative COVID-19 tests before flying at home.
“We recognize that there has been a remarkable evolution and increase in both testing platforms and testing capacity. I think this is an important part of our tool to deal with this pandemic, “Cetron said.
On Tuesday, new CDC rules came into effect requiring almost all international air travelers ages two and older to pass a negative coronavirus test within three calendar days of travel or proof of overtime. on COVID-19 entering the United States.
In talks with flight officers, the CDC has said it is considering conducting home tests as well. Some airline officials are concerned that such requirements could preclude an already weak demand for air travel.
The CDC said Sunday it would not issue bids to exempt passengers from some countries with limited test capacity. Several U.S. airlines had sought applications.
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Acting Deputy Secretary of State Ian Brownlee told reporters that CDC was “not currently issuing federal quarantine orders” but recommends self-quarantine for seven days after his return from tour and trials Receive COVID-19 upon arrival.
Brownlee said the “key message for U.S. citizens considering overseas travel is the same: Rethinking badly going abroad right now. If you’re overseas right now, it will be harder to come home for a while “.
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