U.S. tightens travel testing requirements, mask mandates
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Joe Biden, US President, talks about Covid-19 shots that were administered to the US at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Washington, DC, 02/25/2021
Getty Images| AFP | Getty Images
Biden’s administration has tightened travel regulations to the U.S. by requiring international passengers arriving in America to be tested for Covid within 24hrs of their departure. It also extended its mask requirement to all domestic flights through March 18th.
As the world begins its third year with the pandemic, the changes announced by the government Thursday are part of a larger plan to strengthen the nation’s tools arsenal in fighting the virus.
This is the latest attempt by the Biden Administration to stop the spread of the highly mutated Covid-19 variant. It was reported by South Africa to WHO just a week earlier. At least 23 countries have identified omicron cases so farThe WHO stated Wednesday that this number will rise and is likely to continue rising in the days and weeks ahead.
After verifying its first case of the variant at Northern California, on Wednesday, USA joined this list.
Senior administration officials spoke out to reporters on Wednesday, saying that the tightened pre-departure screening protocols would apply to all international travellers regardless of their vaccination status. They will be in effect from next week. The U.S. previously required that travelers have a positive Covid test within 72 hours before departing. However, this requirement was removed last month and only those who were vaccinated are now exempted. Non-vaccinated travellers had to submit a negative Covid test no later than one day before departure.
A senior official in the administration stated that “our doctors believe tightening pre-departure testing will help capture more cases, potential case of people who might be positive and within the country.” This is the time for it. It’s possible to implement it quickly.
Masking is required on all buses, trains and planes, as well as transportation hubs like indoor bus terminals or airports, under the mask mandate. Penalties will not be reduced doubled from their initial levels For non-compliance with this requirement, the penalty starts at $500 and goes up to $3,000 for repeat offenders.
Vaccine mandates
Biden’s plan calls on businesses to expeditiously require their workers to have their vaccines or be tested each week. The plan stated that such protocols are especially important given the new variant of the omicron.
“We’re asking businesses to step forward and do what’s right to protect our workers, our communities — to put in place some sort of vaccination requirement or testing requirements for the workplace,” a senior administration official said during the call.
Administration gave businesses that had 100 or more employees until January 4, to make sure their staff were either up-to-date on Covid-19 vaccines, or submitted a positive test every week before being allowed into the workplace. On Dec. 5, unvaccinated workers were required to wear masks inside the office.
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is however, suspended enforcement and implementation of the requirements earlier this monthThe policy was halted by the U.S. Court of Appeal in the Fifth Circuit, pending review.
To overturn Biden’s policy, more than twenty-six lawsuits were filed. However, labor unions want the courts to increase the coverage requirements for smaller businesses to ensure the protection of more workers.
Covid home tests
Biden’s winter Covid program also offers more at-home testing.
The plan will allow more than 150,000,000 Americans to be reimbursed for home tests. People without private insurance can still access their at-home testing through rural clinics or health centers.
This plan will also help to increase outreach efforts and ensure that Covid-19 is distributed to all populations. It will also launch more than 60 teams of rapid response to assist in fighting the disease.
Senior administration officials stated, “While the new variant of the virus is concerning, it’s not cause to panic.” We have all the necessary tools to combat this variant, and we will continue making advances in the fight against it.
Last week, Biden ordered precautionary air travel restrictions from South AfricaBotswana (Zimbabwe), Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini as well as Malawi, Mozambique, Mozambique, Mozambique, Mozambique, Namibia and Lesotho. His explanation of the length of bans which went into effect Monday was not clear.
These restrictions were in effect for three weeks following the U.S. lifted a blanket ban on visitors from more than 30 countries, including the U.K., India, Brazil and South Africa, replacing them with vaccination requirements for tourists. Others countries also implemented travel restrictions, sending travel stock and airline stocks to other countries. tumbling.
Also Monday’s president stated his administration works with vaccine producers Pfizer, ModernaAnd Johnson & JohnsonTo develop plans of contingency for boosters and additional vaccines that are tailored to the protection against this new variant.
He is directing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the CDCTo approve these potential vaccines, we will use the fastest process possible without compromising our quality.
Biden indicated Monday that the current Covid-19 vaccines available on the market provide protection against some omicron. He added that booster shots can “substantially increase this protection.”
Fauci observed Wednesday that the profile of this variant suggested its mutations might reduce effectiveness of existing vaccines. Fauci said however that there is more data needed.
Omicron is home to more than 30 mutations of the spike protein. According to WHO, some mutations can lead to higher transmission rates and decreased antibody protection.
CNBC’s Spencer KimballAnd Leslie JosephsContributed to the report.
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