The Biden administration is lifting travel restrictions to eight African countries since the Omicron variant has reached all 50 states.
The lift will end on December 31 in countries South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. The administration only placed the travel restrictions due to the uncertainty of Omicron. White House press secretary, Jen Psaki tells reporters that the travel ban was “never intended to be permanent; it was intended to be temporary. And lifting it is certainly our intention.”
This decision comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A health official says the U.S. existing vaccines are effective at preventing severe disease from those that get infected by Omicron. According to the CDC, “Omicron variant now accounts for more than 73% of COVID infections across the country.” Data is finding that Omicron spreads easier but is less severe.
The U.S. is familiar with the variant and has been undergoing research to get control of the spread. The administration believes that international travelers will not affect the spread of the Omicron variant since it has already become widespread worldwide. Biden still expects international travelers to test negative for the virus regardless of vaccination status and nationality. There has also been an extended mask mandate for domestic travel through mid-March.
Schools and universities are being affected in the Omicron variant. Harvard University, Cornell University, and Princeton University are just several confirmed universities that are closed due to coronavirus.
