US Waives Prearrival Testing for Travelers from Shanghai
Background of the Situation
As Shanghai encounters escalating COVID-19 case numbers and grapples with challenges in securing tests, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a significant waiver affecting those returning from the city.
This advisory, posted on the US Embassy in China’s website, allows airlines to board US citizens and lawful permanent residents without the necessity of a negative COVID-19 test or recovery documentation if they were unable to secure a timely test.
Current Testing Requirements
As of now, the US government mandates that all travelers aged two and older entering the United States must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within one day prior to travel, or documentation of recovery from the virus.
The waiver is temporary, remaining in effect until May 11, and is solely applicable to US citizens and lawful permanent residents returning from Shanghai, China.
China’s Continuing Zero-COVID Policy
In contrast to various countries shifting their approaches to living with COVID-19, China persists with its stringent zero-COVID policy, despite evidence showing that the majority of cases are not severe.
According to recent reports from the Associated Press, China recorded 29,411 new cases, with a significant portion being asymptomatic. Shanghai constitutes a major share of these cases.
Effects of the Lockdown
Recently, the lockdown in Shanghai has experienced slight easing, permitting some residents in communities with stable case counts to leave their residences, although they remain restricted to their neighborhoods. This adjustment comes amidst difficulties residents face in obtaining essential food and medicine supplies.
Details of the Waiver
The waiver remains valid until May 11, 2022, applying specifically to:
- U.S. Citizens
- U.S. Nationals
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)
- Noncitizens holding a valid U.S. immigrant visa
- Noncitizen nonimmigrants traveling with a U.S. citizen or LPR
Travelers are urged to wear a well-fitted mask or respirator throughout their flight, and in airports and other transportation hubs, to ensure safety during travel.
Future of Prearrival Testing Mandates
The Biden administration finds itself under mounting pressure from airlines and the tourism sector to end the prearrival testing requirement. This desire aligns with recent trends where other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Jamaica, and Greece, have dismantled similar travel restrictions.
As discussions evolve, industry leaders emphasize the need for a concrete strategy to transition into an endemic environment. They advocate for the elimination of federal mask mandates and testing requirements deemed no longer appropriate given the current epidemiological landscape.
Nonetheless, the administration has yet to confirm its intentions regarding the elimination of the prearrival testing requirement initially enacted to help control the spread of COVID-19 and its variants in the United States.
