US CDC to Require Negative COVID-19 Test for Passengers from the UK

by Yoo Jaehoon

Published 25 Dec.2020 13:52(KST)

Strengthening Entry Controls Amid the Spread of COVID-19 Variants

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] The United States has decided to mandate negative COVID-19 test results for all passengers arriving on flights from the United Kingdom. This measure aims to block the spread of the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the UK.

According to US CNBC on the 24th (local time), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced in a statement that starting from the 28th, all passengers boarding flights from the UK to the US will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test result valid within 72 hours prior to departure.

Initially, the US had stated that it would not consider separate entry restrictions despite the rapid spread of the COVID-19 variant in the UK. However, as the UK-originated COVID-19 variant is spreading to various countries, the US has strengthened entry controls to manage this situation.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 variant discovered in the UK last September is known to be up to 70% more infectious than the existing virus, causing concern among health authorities worldwide. As a result, more than 40 countries, including South Korea, have tightened controls on flights from the UK.