US imposes quarantine for international air passengers

US President Joe Biden issued an executive order on Thursday that would require international air travellers to quarantine upon US arrival, and directed US agencies to implement a federal mask mandate in interstate transportation. Biden’s order says “to the extent feasible” air travelers must comply with applicable US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines concerning international travel “including recommended periods of self-quarantine.” It does not explain how it will be enforced. 

The order also directs US agencies to hold talks with Canada and Mexico “regarding public health protocols for land ports of entry” including implementing CDC guidelines. Nearly all non-essential travel at US land borders with Canada and Mexico is suspended through Feb. 21.The CDC recommends a seven-day quarantine for people arriving in the United States from nearly all countries. The order calls on agencies to “immediately take action” to require masks on or in airports, commercial aircraft, trains, public maritime vessels, including ferries, intercity bus services and all public transportation, but grants them the ability to issue exemptions.

New  administration is implementing new coronavirus testing requirements for nearly all international air passengers beginning on Tuesday, following a CDC order last week. Under the new rules, all US-bound passengers age 2 and over must get negative Covid-19 test results within three calendar days of travel. it would reimpose entry bans on most non-US citizens who have recently been in Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ireland and most of continental Europe after President Donald Trump issued an order on Monday lifting them effective the same day the new testing rules take effect.