US dropping Covid-19 tests for incoming air travel
- The move marks a major step in the country’s gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions, just over a month after it crossed the threshold of 1 million deaths
- With the US economy plagued by rocketing inflation, the announcement was welcomed by the travel sector
The United States announced on Friday that Covid-19 tests would no longer be required for international travellers arriving by air, a major step in the country’s gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions.
White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz confirmed the news on Twitter, with US media saying the measure would end this weekend after strong lobbying from the travel industry.
All passengers had needed to show a negative Covid-19 viral test taken shortly before travel – or proof of having recovered from the virus in the past 90 days – before boarding a flight.
Munoz said President Joe Biden’s work on vaccines and treatments had been “critical” to easing the travel restrictions, and added that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention would continue to evaluate Covid-19 data amid a recent rise in cases.
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A million Americans have died from Covid-19 with more than half cremated
Last month, the United States crossed the threshold of 1 million Covid-19 deaths, with Biden acknowledging the “unrelenting” pain of bereaved families, and urging Americans to remain vigilant.
America recorded its first Covid-19 death in early February 2020 on the West Coast.