The USA on Monday outlined new travel restrictions affecting South Africa and other countries. On the restrictions signed by President Joe Biden, non-US citizens will not access the country. These restrictions come at a time when the new coronavirus virus variant is at a spread. Hence posing a danger not only to the USA but the globe at large. South Africa is one of the main African countries to have registered the presence of the new variant. UK, Brazil, and Europe as well Join South Africa in the USA travel restrictions. The regulations are to take effect from Saturday. Moreover, Biden took measures to reimpose an entry ban that was to expire on Tuesday.
Former US President disagrees with travel restrictions.
During the reign of President Trump, amid the pandemic, travel restrictions were highly recommended. Trump then imposed a ban on entering the states from nearly all non-US citizens from Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, and 26 countries from Europe. The restriction’s expiry date is on Tuesday. However, Biden sees it fit to extend the ban following the new coronavirus strain prevalence in these countries.
However, the former president agrees to disagree with the US president on the bid to extend those restrictions on the highlighted countries. Nonetheless, the White House spokesman Jen Psaki agrees with President Biden. He further assures that it would not be a good time to lift international travel restrictions with the new variant spreading fast.
The Vaccine and the New virus strain
South Africa`s new variant, 501Y.V2, is, in fact, more infectious than the former. According to health officials, there are high chances that the coronavirus vaccine is ineffective when it comes to the new variant. The variant is 50% more infectious compared to the former; hence chances of re-infection are higher.
More restrictions from the CDC
Rochelle Walensky, the Director for Disease Control and Prevention, expects to issue a new set of regulations with her signature on them. The new orders urge all travelers from the age of two years and above to have masks. All airplanes must adhere to the restrictions by ensuring that their travelers’ need for masks are catered for.
Moreover, the CDC urges airlines that no more waivers will be issued for exemption purposes. This guideline came after a number of US airlines were on demand for the waivers. US citizens were as well urged to make haste in reorganizing themselves to the new restrictions. Adding that if possible, all non-essential travels to be canceled.
Additionally, all travelers from 2 years will be required to present a coronavirus test. The test should be within the three days calendar, and the test should impose a negative result from the Virus. Moreover, proof of recovery from the virus, if present, should as well be present.
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