Joe Biden is considering imposing stricter screening rules on international travel as the White House develops a strategy to prevent the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant in the US.
A White House official said on Tuesday that Biden administration officials were evaluating the requirement that all incoming travelers must have a negative Covid-19 test result one day before their trip. That would mark a tightening of time from the current rule, which mandates checks up to three days before departure.
More stringent testing rules are being debated ahead of a speech on Thursday in which Biden is expected to propose a plan to tackle a potential the rise of Covid cases in the coming weeks.
Not only are US health officials concerned about the impact of an outbreak, but senior policymakers, including Jay Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, and Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury , warned of the danger it could happen. set out for the economic recovery.
During a trip to Minnesota on Tuesday, Biden reiterated that Americans shouldn’t “panic” about the new, undetected variant in the US, but acknowledged that they have reason to worry about it.
“We will fight Covid this winter no shutdown and lock, but with broader vaccinations, boosters, testing and more,” said the US President.
“Meanwhile, the best way to protect is to fully vaccinate and get booster shots. I appeal to all Americans who haven’t done it yet. Get it done today,” Biden added.
During a briefing with White House health officials earlier in the day, Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the agency was looking at “how to travel.” internationally as safe as possible, including pre-departure checks close to the time of flight, and considerations around additional screening after arrival and self-isolation”.
CDC declined to comment on specific steps it might recommend.
The tougher screening rules for travelers to the US come after the Biden administration’s decision to impose new restrictions on people entering the country from a group of South African countries, place Omicron variant is experiencing its initial rise.
As recently as November 8, the United States lifting the sweeping travel ban applied at the beginning of a pandemic that has affected travelers from many European countries.
On Tuesday, Mr. Biden vowed to coordinate with other governments if the United States re-imposed some restrictions. “Unlike [Donald] Trump I don’t shock our allies,” he said.
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