President Joe Biden has reimposed an entry ban on non-US travelers from dozens of countries amid fears that new coronavirus strains would spread throughout the nation.
While former POTUS Donald Trump issued a directive to lift restrictions concerning travelers from Europe and Brazil on January 18, Biden overrode the decision by reimposing the entry ban on non-US citizens from 26 European countries as well as Ireland, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.
The administration also added South Africa to the list over fears that the deadly new variant of Covid-19 would spread into the country and worsen the already-frail situation, REUTERS reported.
“We are adding South Africa to the restricted list because of the concerning variant present that has already spread beyond South Africa,” CDC’s principal deputy director Dr Anne Schuchat revealed on Sunday.
According to the health expert, the travel restrictions are being imposed in order “to protect Americans and also to reduce the risk of these variants spreading and worsening the current pandemic.”
Following his inauguration on January 20, Biden has taken immediate actions in a bid to prevent the South African strain of the virus, which is reportedly 50 percent more infectious, from making its way into the US after it has already been detected in several countries.
Starting Tuesday, as part of the crackdown on the pandemic, all international travelers older than 2 years will have to prove they tested negative for Covid-19 upon arrival in the States, whereas the tests should be taken within the period of three days before attempted entry.
Incoming travelers will also have the option to provide proof of recovery from the virus.
Meanwhile, officials have confirmed that CDC director Rochelle Walensky will sign a directive mandating all passengers older than 2 years to wear face masks on airplanes, trains, taxis, buses, subways, ferries, and other ride-share vehicles.
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Replaced!