Biden announces plan to combat covid-19 in the winter months 5:30
(CNN) -
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a modified order late Thursday changing the requirement for covid testing. -19 to a day before flying to the US
"As the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads, it has new opportunities to change (mutate) and become more difficult to control," the CDC says in the new order.
"Although viruses are known and expected to change through mutation leading to the emergence of new variants, the emerging variant omicron is of particular concern and critical importance to this modified order."
Tests approved or authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are acceptable for use, the order says.
People who can show that they have recovered from the infection in the past 90 days are exempt.
New travel rules for the United States: what you need to know about the changes due to the omicron variant
"At this time, it is unknown what level of protection current vaccines will provide against this newly emerging mutated variant. To better protect the health of the United States, unless and until the CDC can confirm that current approved and licensed vaccines provide adequate protection against the omicron variant, all passengers - including those who are fully vaccinated, but excluding passengers who present valid recovery documentation - must obtain a viral test on a sample collected no more than 1 calendar day prior to the departure of your flight to meet the requirements of this modified order, "it reads.
"The one-day window of time, a reduction from the previous 3-day window for fully vaccinated passengers, will provide less opportunity to develop infection with the omicron variant prior to arrival in the United States."
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The order goes into effect on December 6.
Covid-19micron
