As these past weeks have shown, almost every country has resumed the lockdown and quarantine, even the night curfews they once had in March and April. COVID-19 cases are rising again and the second wave, though being predicted, is hitting hard. In the midst of such chaos, the U.S. is evaluating travel bans and from the reports, it seems that this evaluation is in Europa’s favor.
Based on Reuters, the White House task-force committee for the COVID-19 issue, public health, and other agencies are supporting a plan which lifts the entry ban on Brazil, Britain, Ireland, and 26 other European countries. However, the entry bans on non-U.S. citizens who have recently been in China or Iran will not be included in this consideration.
The officials believe that lifting the bans could provide an opportunity that allows some improvements for the airlines in the U.S. The schedule for a final decision is not yet clear, as Trump could still veto the plan.
Trump’s decision could be impacted by the up-going number of coronavirus cases around the globe and the possibility that European countries would not immediately allow Americans to enter their borders.
Although Brazil allows U.S. travelers and Britain and Ireland permit American visitors to enter, they are required to quarantine for two-weeks upon arrival. This being said, nearly every European nation has banned most U.S. travelers from visiting.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pointed out some new travel and testing suggestions for international flights. It is recommended that these travelers could be tested for COVID-19 before traveling and quarantining for seven days at home and take another test upon returning.
Reuters mentioned that Airlines have confidence in the CDC’s guidance as a step to be in the right direction, but it has to be “followed by a credit that testing can be used to safely reopen borders without quarantines.”
