The US stated on Friday that Covid-19 testing will no longer be required for international visitors arriving by air, marking a key step toward the gradual easing of pandemic restrictions in the country.
The announcement was verified by White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz on Twitter, with US media reporting that the testing requirement would be lifted this weekend following intense lobbying from the travel industry.
Before boarding their trip, all passengers had to produce confirmation of having recovered from the virus in the previous 90 days or a negative Covid viral test taken shortly before travel.
President Joe Biden’s work on vaccines and treatments, Munoz said, had been “essential” in reducing travel restrictions, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would continue to study Covid data in light of a recent spike in cases.
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Last month, the United States passed the one million Covid mortality mark, with Biden noting departed families’ “unrelenting” anguish and urged Americans to be watchful.
In early February 2020, America’s first Covid-19 death was recorded on the West Coast.
Many mask regulations have been lifted, but the number of daily viral cases in the country has recently increased, owing mostly to new Omicron subvariants.
