CDC re-emphasizing Covid entry test to the US

This is interesting; I wonder if the loosening of green passes, etc., across Europe will result in fewer easy testing locations. In December in Rome, there were several within a few blocks of our hotel and we didn't have to stress about finding a test at all, but I imagine that's already changing.

For my next trip in the summer, I'm actually flying in and out of Vancouver and then driving back over the land border to the US (not to avoid the testing requirement if still in place, but a combination of flight prices and where my dog sitter lives). It's interesting to me that Canada doesn't require an entry test but does require masking on planes. I guess we won't know which strategy is more effective in the long-term for some time.

Here is my guess. They updated the editing date to the current date. I believe this is what is being interpreted as re-emphasizing. I think renewing might be the more accurate word for this.

I do know I had some other words come to mind when I saw the topic………

It doesn’t actually say “double-downing”, but the CDC does re-emphasize the requirement by specifically restating it in all of its updated communications even when they have amended their masking requirement. It’s important to note also that each of the aforementioned updates come at a time (see all the updates dated 5/2.22) when many thought there would be a loosening of that particular requirement. Additionally, if you read all of the updates, you’ll notice that the CDC have now prepared specifically-worded info-pages which it has advised the airlines and others to use on their websites and social media (see the update mentioning the Air Travel Toolkit). These info-pages re-emphasize the entry testing requirement. I’m sure it could change, but it does seem to be a large information download that they’ve put a lot of work into if they were anticipating a change soon. For myself, I would wish it otherwise, but alas, there it is. 😟

Japan still isn't allowing tourists into the country.

Is it true Japan and the US are the only major countries requiring entry testing?

I believe Russia and China still require entry testing, along with other hurdles.

Portugal still requires either proof of current vaccination/booster or Covid recovery AND proof of a negative test taken within hours of arrival in Portugal. Most (maybe all major) airlines departing US for Portugal require documents before boarding passes are issued.

I get that there is a lot of stress involved in having the test hanging over you for your whole trip. And for those that do test positive there is a lot of expense and grief involved in having to isolate, re-test, get certificate of recovery, etc. But - do you really think it would be better for people to be getting on airplanes and coming to your town while positive? Do you want to sit next to that person for 6 or more hours (mask less)? Do you really want someone who has covid - possibly a new strain picked up in another country - in a meeting with you at work or at the grocery store or on the subway?

Unfortunately testing is not going to guarantee that the plane is COVID free. I tested negative with a PCR test every day on my river cruise in France in April and then a negative antigen test on top of it to fly home. By the time I landed I have a headache and low grade fever. Tested positive for COVID. Very little symptoms over the next 36 hours. Felt better than when I got my booster. Just FYI we worn our masks everywhere including outside per the tour requirements.

I would think the CDC had the good sense to relax testing requirements for U.S. citizens.

But things are evolving.

So Gail if you are willing to assume risk, then you should be fine with the risk that you might test positive and need to isolate for ten days. Anyone traveling internationally today should be OK with that risk. But what is happening by eliminating masking and testing is that we are prolonging the pandemic. And there are people in your town who are high risk and they are probably going to be exposed to more individuals with the disease, and possibly new variants. Some people are still getting very sick (and dying) from this. One can hope its the non vaccinated non masked people who get very sick but unfortunately that's not always the case.

@Isabel, can you share the science that supports your statements?

double-downing

"Doubling-down" what you were looking for?

Thanks Joe32F 🙂

I would rather fly ( untested ) 8 hours from Europe than 12 hours from New York to Honolulu. This is insanity—and we are letting it happen.

In First Class or Coach?