CDC issues new COVID travel guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have strengthened its travel protocols as more cases of the COVID-19 omicron variant are reported in the U.S.

New York officials announced three more cases of the omicron variant in New

York City on Saturday morning, bringing the state’s total to eight, with seven in New York City and one in Suffolk County. No cases of the omicron variant have been confirmed in Connecticut, as of Saturday.

Massachusetts announced the first omicron case in that state: a female in her 20s and a resident of Middlesex County who traveled out of state. She is fully vaccinated and did not require hospitalization.

At least 12 states had reported cases of the omicron variant as of Saturday.

Meanwhile, the CDC’s new travel guidelines will go into effect Monday.

The change shortens the timeline for required testing for all international air travelers to one day before departure to the United States.

“This revision strengthens already robust protocols in place for international travel, including requirements for foreign travelers to be fully vaccinated,” the CDC said in a press release. “As we learn more about the omicron variant, this new one-day testing policy will help to protect travelers and the health and safety of American communities from COVID-19.”

The CDC said this creates a “stringent and consistent global international travel policy that is guided by public health.”

This means all air travelers, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status, must now show a negative COVID-19 viral test taken the day before they board to fly to the U.S.

The CDC continues to recommend all travelers get a COVID-19 viral test three to five days after they get back from their trip, and that unvaccinated travelers should quarantine for seven days after traveling.

More guidance is available on the CDC’s website.