US asks travellers to present negative COVID-19 test result before departure

The US has asked those flying into the country to present negative COVID-19 test results before departure.

The directive is contained in an order issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and signed by Robert Redfield, its director.

According to the new order, travellers into the US must possess a negative COVID-19 test result or a proof of recovery — for those who earlier tested positive for the virus.

The order, which takes effect on January 26, 2021, applies to both US citizens and foreigners.

It prohibits the “introduction into the United States of any aircraft passenger departing from any foreign country unless the passenger: (1) has a negative pre-departure test result for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (Qualifying Test); or (2) written or electronic documentation of recovery from COVID-19 after previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in the form of a positive viral test result and a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel (Documentation of Recovery).”

“The negative pre-departure test must be a viral test that was conducted on a specimen collected during the 3 calendar days preceding the flight’s departure from a foreign country (Qualifying Test),” the order reads.

“Alternatively, if the passenger has recovered from COVID-19, the passenger may instead travel with written or electronic documentation of a positive viral test result that confirms previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating that the passenger has been cleared for travel (Documentation of Recovery).

“A passenger must retain written or electronic documentation reflecting the negative Qualifying Test result or Documentation of Recovery presented to the airline or other aircraft operator. A passenger must also produce such Qualifying Test result or Documentation of Recovery upon.”

requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the United States including U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. It will become effective on January 26, 2021.

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) January 13, 2021

The CDC noted that the directive is given to preserve lives and prevent further spread of the virus.

With more than 23 million confirmed cases and over 380,000 deaths, the US remains the coronavirus worst hit country globally.

A second wave of the infection has been recorded in various countries with new COVID-19 variant found in the United Kingdom.