The CDC’s Latest Pandemic Guidelines for Travel and Events
On Jan. 17, the Department of Justice asked an appeals court to reverse the April 2022 ruling that declared the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's face-mask requirement for public transportation to be unlawful. Brian Springer, a Justice Department attorney, argued that the CDC should have the authority to establish universal mask mandates during a public-health crisis such as Covid.
The development comes shortly after the European Union issued new guidance advising visitors traveling between China and the E.U. member states to wear a medical-grade mask during their flight. E.U. countries are also "strongly encouraged" to require negative Covid-19 tests for passengers traveling from China. In addition, the World Health Organization has advised passengers to wear face coverings during long-haul flights.
As of Jan. 5, the CDC now requires all air passengers traveling from China to the United States to present proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken no more than two days prior to departure, or show documentation of recovery from the virus within the past 90 days. The requirements apply to all travelers ages 2 and older, regardless of nationality and vaccination status. Hong Kong and Macau are included under the new rules.