President Joe Biden has unveiled stricter COVID-19 travel rules as the US confirmed a handful of cases of the Omicron variant from coast to coast.
As of next week, international travellers to the US, including Americans, must take a COVID test no more than one day before travel regardless of vaccination status. Those recently discovered may provide “proof of recovery” documents instead. Mask requirements on planes, trains and buses will be extended until mid-March. Millions of free and insurer-funded home tests will also be made available.
Ten cases of the Omicron variant have been discovered in the US: in California, Colorado, Minnesota and New York and in Hawaii, where the authorities stated that the person had no recent travel history. State health officials have reported only mild symptoms in these cases. The variant has now been found up to 30 countries.
