CDC says U.S.-bound air travelers can use some self-administered
COVID-19 tests
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[May 08, 2021]
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday that U.S.-bound
international air travelers can meet COVID-19 entry requirements using
certain self-administered tests.
In January, the CDC mandated that all airline passengers aged two and
older -- including U.S. citizens -- be able to provide negative COVID
tests within three days of coming to the United States or show proof of
recovery from COVID-19.
The CDC's decision was praised by Airlines for America, a trade group,
saying it would "allow FDA-approved proctored home testing for
international passengers entering the U.S. This is an encouraging step
in facilitating the international travel process."
Some Americans have feared they would be unable to have access to
testing in some foreign countries. The CDC noted that some countries may
restrict importation of tests that are not authorized or registered
there.
Passengers using a self-test must use a telehealth service that provides
real-time supervision remotely during testing.
Airlines must be able to review and confirm the person’s identity and
test result details.
The move comes as some U.S. officials have expressed concerns in
government meetings over ensuring passengers are providing accurate
COVID-19 test results. U.S. airlines often review test results written
in foreign languages.
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Travelers walk through a pick-up area in the arrivals section at
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in SeaTac, Washington, U.S.
April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson
The rules took effect on Jan. 26, after Canada
followed other countries in imposing similar rules for nearly all
international arrivals on Jan. 7.
Land-border restrictions between Canada and the United States,
imposed in March 2020, have been extended to May 21. Now in place
for 13 months, they are being renewed month by month. Mexico is also
maintaining some of its border curbs.
The Biden administration has studied whether to impose COVID-19
testing requirements for land border crossings, but has not issued
requirements in part because of a lack of testing capacity in
Mexico.
(Reporting by David Shepardson, Editing by Franklin Paul and Sonya
Hepinstall)
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