WASHINGTON: The US announced on Friday that Covid-19 tests would no longer be required for international travellers arriving by air, a major step in the country’s gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions. White House Assistant Press Secretary Kevin Munoz confirmed the news on Twitter, with US media saying the measure would end this weekend after strong lobbying from the travel industry. All passengers had needed to show a negative Covid viral test taken shor­tly before tra­vel — or proof of having reco­vered from the virus in the past 90 days — before boarding a flight. Nationwide, 66.7 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated, rising to 91.2pc in those aged 65 and over. “Lifting this policy will help encourage and restore air travel to the US... We are eager to welcome the millions of travellers who are ready to come to the US for vacation, business and reunions with loved ones.”Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2022

Source: CNN June 11, 2022 03:51 UTC