Omicron scare: US makes it must for passengers to carry negative Covid-19 test report
New Covid-19 variant Omicron: The United States (US) has made it mandatory for all incoming passengers, including those from India, to carry a negative Covid-19 test report or proof of recovery from the disease. The step has been taken amid a a rising number of cases of the new variant in the United States.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said the new protocol could come into effect from December 6, .
Also read | Air pollution: Delhi's air quality remains stagnant in 'very poor' category
“This amendment updates Covid-19 testing requirements for air passengers two years or older boarding a flight to the United States (US),” Indian government officials informed Indian-American community leaders on Saturday.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]
Air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true. Photo: Social media[/caption]
As per the new amended order, effectively for flights departing to the US from a foreign country at or after 12:01 am EST (5:01 am GMT or 10:31 am IST) on December 6, 2021, passengers are required show a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than one day before boarding a flight.
As per information, air passengers will also be required to confirm in the form of an attestation that the information they present is true. The one-day period is one day before the flight's departure. The order uses a one-day time frame instead of 24 hours to provide more flexibility to the air passenger and aircraft operator.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
On December 4, New York detected three more cases of the omicron variant, bringing the total number of the state's cases to eight. Photo: Social media[/caption]
Also read | Another suspected Omicron case as Tanzania returnee tests Covid positive in Mumbai's Dharavi
By using a one-day window, test acceptability does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test sample was taken, the circular explained.
For example, flight AI191/(BOM-EWR) is at 01:30 AM IST on a Tuesday, passengers could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the one calendar day prior Tuesday i.e., on Monday, it said.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="4440"]
The new protocol comes into effect from December 6. Photo: Social media[/caption]
On Saturday, New York detected three more cases of the omicron variant, bringing the total number of the state's cases to eight. Seven of the new cases have been found in New York City.
-PTC News with agency inputs
