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Los Angeles airport: Air China crew members wear protective suits
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In view of the new Omikron variant and the upcoming winter, the US government is tightening the rules for corona tests for entry into the USA.
From the White House it was said that
a negative test should have been carried out from the beginning of next week at most 24 hours before leaving for the United States
. The new regulation affects all international travelers regardless of nationality and vaccination status. So far, a period of three days applies. In addition, foreigners usually have to prove a full Covid-19 vaccination before they can travel by plane to the USA.
The tightening is part of new measures in the fight against Corona, which US President Joe Biden presented on Thursday. This includes, for example, that the mask requirement in planes, trains and other public transport as well as in airports and train stations is extended to at least March. Biden warned that experts expected the number of infections to rise in winter. Turning to the omicron variant, he said, "We will fight this variant with science and speed, not with chaos and confusion." His compatriots called on Biden not to be divided by the pandemic.
A US government official said both antigen and PCR tests would continue to be accepted upon entry into the United States.
The effectiveness of the tests, for example against the Omikron variant, is constantly checked.
Compulsory tests or a period of self-isolation after entering the United States are currently not planned
Biden's steps also include a nationwide campaign to get adults to get booster vaccinations.
More children should be vaccinated and schools should be kept open.
Americans should also get free rapid tests more easily.
kig / dpa-AFX