US ends neg-test entry rule
Boost for travelers
President Biden’s administration is ending an onerous travel rule that required people entering the US — including American citizens — to present a negative COVID-19 test.
The rule was strongly opposed by airlines and by members of both parties in Congress, who said it depressed the travel industry. Most European countries long ago ditched similar rules.
An official said, “Today, the administration is announcing an important update: CDC will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for US-bound air travelers, effective Sunday, June 12th at 12:01 a.m. ET.”
The official said the “CDC has determined based on the science and data that this requirement is no longer necessary at this time. CDC will do a reassessment of this decision in 90 days, and as with other policies, CDC will continue to evaluate it on an ongoing basis.”
The decision ends one of the most-hated pandemic rules, which induced stress among vacationers who spent their trips dreading the possibility of testing positive overseas.
Americans, often asymptomatic, had to extend their foreign trips if they tested positive — sometimes finding themselves stuck in shabby government-run hotels.
Team Joe goes slow
The Biden administration repeatedly has been slower than other countries to rescind COVID-19 rules. For example, the US finally repealed a ban on European visitors in November after European countries allowed Americans to visit much earlier.
It’s unclear if the administration will repeal other COVID mandates and nonbinding guidance, which can significantly influence corporate decisions.
The US Supreme Court in January blocked Biden’s attempt to impose a vaccine mandate on most privatesector workers, but allowed mandates on federal employees and health-care workers.
The requirement that all inbound travelers test negative was announced during the final days of the Trump administration.
The Biden administration warned Friday that the inbound testing rule may have to be restored if the pandemic worsens.