The United States will restrict travel from South Africa and seven other countries starting Monday over concerns of the “heavily mutated” COVID-19 omicron variant, senior administration officials said.
The Biden administration will follow advice from Dr. Anthony Fauci and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and restrict travel from several African nations following the identification of variant B.1.1.529, which appears to be highly contagious among young people.
“This morning I was briefed by my chief medical advisor, Dr. Tony Fauci, and the members of our COVID response team, about the Omicron variant, which is spreading through Southern Africa,” Biden said in a statement. As a precautionary measure until we have more information, I am ordering additional air travel restrictions from South Africa and seven other countries. These new restrictions will take effect on November 29.”
President Biden promised to take every measure necessary to keep Americans safe and defeat the pandemic. He urged Americans to continue getting vaccinated.
“The news about this new variant should make clearer than ever why this pandemic will not end until we have global vaccinations,” Biden continued. “I call on the nations gathering next week for the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting to meet the U.S. challenge to waive intellectual property protections for COVID vaccines, so these vaccines can be manufactured globally.”
Travel restrictions will not apply to American citizens and lawful permanent residents, but all international travelers must test negative prior to travel…Read more>>
Source:-foxnews