The federal government will soon require anyone traveling from China to show a negative COVID-19 test before flying into the U.S.
The tests — either a PCR or antigen self-test administrated through a telehealth service — will have to be done no more than two days before flying, and the proof must be presented to the airline before boarding, CNN reported.
The regulations are similar to other rules that had been rolled out concerning travelers from China, The Associated Press reported.
The rule takes effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Jan. 5.
The requirements apply to people flying directly from China to the U.S. as well as people flying from China through other airports such as Toronto, Seoul and Vancouver.
If someone has recovered from COVID-19 more than 10 days before their trip, they can provide documentation of the illness and not undergo a test, CNN reported.
The testing plan was introduced because of an increase in COVID-19 cases in China. The country had used a “zero COVID” policy that kept infections low but hurt the nation’s economy, the AP reported.
China also lifted quarantine requirements for international travelers starting on Jan. 8, CNN reported.
Lunar New Year begins Jan 22 and is usually China’s busiest travel season, the AP reported.
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