The Biden administration is lifting its requirement that international air travelers to the U.S. take a COVID-19 test within a day before boarding their flights, easing one of the last remaining government mandates meant to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The mandate expires Sunday at 12:01 a.m. (Eastern), a senior administration official said, adding that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that it’s no longer necessary. In February, the groups argued that the testing requirement was obsolete because of the high number of Omicron cases already in every state, higher vaccinations rates and new treatments for COVID-19. The Biden administration is appealing that ruling, saying that it aims to protect the CDC’s ability to respond to future health emergencies. The official said the CDC would continue to recommend COVID-19 testing prior to air travel of any kind as a safety precaution.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 10, 2022 20:24 UTC