6 hours agoAggressive Benen: Take Even Stronger Measures Against COVID-19
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)President Joe Biden's administration will ban access to the majority of non-American citizens who have recently been to South Africa in an effort to stem the spread of a new version of COVID-19, public health officials told the Reuters news agency. Starting Monday, [...]
Starting Monday, officials will ban the entry of almost all non-American travelers who have been to Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and 26 European countries that allow travel across open borders, officials said.
Former President Donald Trump had instructed on January 18th that restrictions for Brazil and Europe be lifted on Tuesday, January 26th, but that the new administration's decision would abolish the previous order.
Beden, who took office last Wednesday, has taken an aggressive approach to combat the spread of the virus by limiting travel. His predecessor had rejected instructions requested by American health agencies.
Some health officials are concerned that current vaccines may not be effective against South Africa's version, which increases the possibility of reinfectation.
South Africa's version, also known as 501Y. V2, it's 50% more infectious and has been discovered in at least 20 countries. Officials of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said they would be open to adding other countries to the list if necessary.
South Africa's version has not yet been discovered in the United States, but at least 20 US states have discovered a common version of the United Kingdom, known as B.1.1.7. Current vaccines seem effective against British mutations.
Meanwhile, the highest official of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Rochell Walensky will sign a special order Monday seeking masks on all planes, ferryes, trains, subways, buses and taxis, officials said. New demands are expected to come into force in the coming days, they said.
On Tuesday, new regulations requiring all international travelers to present a negative test of the choreographer received within three calendar days of travel or healing evidence from COVID-19 to enter the United States.
