Thursday, December 02, 2021
Because of the Omicron variant
USA imposes stricter entry rules
The first Omikron case in the USA was only confirmed yesterday. Due to concerns about a winter wave and the spread of the corona variant, new test rules apply to entry. Meanwhile, US President Biden wants to boost the domestic booster campaign.
In view of the new Omikron variant and the upcoming winter, the US government is tightening the rules for corona tests for entry into the USA. From the White House it was said that a negative test should have been carried out from the beginning of next week at most 24 hours before leaving for the United States. The new regulation affects all international travelers regardless of nationality and vaccination status. So far, a period of three days applies.
In addition, foreigners usually have to prove a full Covid-19 vaccination before they can travel by plane to the USA. The tightening is part of new measures in the fight against Corona presented by US President Joe Biden. This includes, for example, that the mask requirement in planes, trains and other public transport as well as in airports and train stations is extended to at least March.
Biden warned that experts expected the number of infections to rise in winter. Regarding the Omicron variant, he said, “We will fight this variant with science and speed, not with chaos and confusion.” Biden called on his compatriots not to let the pandemic divide them. A US government official said both antigen and PCR tests would continue to be accepted upon entry into the United States. The effectiveness of the tests, for example against the Omikron variant, is constantly checked. Compulsory tests or a period of self-isolation after entering the United States are currently not planned.
Steps Biden also presented include a nationwide campaign to encourage adults to get booster vaccinations. More children should be vaccinated and schools should be kept open. Americans should also get free rapid tests more easily. According to Biden, the US is not planning any new lockdowns.