The U.S. is expected to bring in tougher COVID testing rules for both vaccinated and unvaccinated international travelers as the world struggles to stop the spread of the Omicron variant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was working to ensure all those traveling to the U.S. by air take a test within 24 hours before boarding their flights – cut down from 72 hours – a day before President Joe Biden sets out a winter plan to tackle the virus. Other measures – including self-quarantine – are being considered by the White House, the Associated Press reports.
Cases have so far been detected in the U.K., Canada, Australia, Spain, Nigeria, South Africa, Belgium, Israel, Botswana, Denmark, France (Reunion Island), Austria, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
Follow Newsweek’s liveblog for all the latest updates…
Traces of Omicron found in Dutch samples before South Africa’s discovery
Dutch health authorities discovered the variant in samples from as early as November 19 – five days before the World Health Organization said that South Africa first reported the strain.
The discovery makes even more unclear the timeline and origin of Omicron’s emergence as scientists try to figure out how dangerous it might be and how easily it can spread.
FULL STORY: Dutch Find Omicron in Sample From Mid-November, 5 Days Before South Africa Discovery
Good morning and welcome to Newsweek’s liveblog
The White House is finalizing new measures expected to be announced by President Biden tomorrow as the Omicron risk grows ever greater.
Follow Newsweek’s liveblog throughout Wednesday for all the latest.
