In response to an increase in covid infections in China, the United States (US) will require all travellers from China to submit a negative Covid-19 test result before boarding a flight to the nation.
RT-PCR tests or antigen self-tests can be performed via a telemedicine service. According to media report, quoting federal health experts, travellers flying from China to the United States would need to take a test no later than two days before their journey and give their airline with evidence of a negative result before boarding.
The restriction will apply to both travellers travelling directly from China to the United States and those flying through well-known third-country gateways such as Seoul, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Those who test positive more than 10 days before their trip will be requested to show documentation of their recovery instead of a negative test result.
The new restrictions go into effect on January 5 at 12:01 a.m. ET.
According to authorities, the Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance programme will now include airports in Seattle and Los Angeles, bringing the total number of participating airports to seven, with around 500 weekly flights from at least 30 different countries covered. There will be around 290 flights per week from China and surrounding locations.
