CDC expands requirement for negative COVID-19 test to all airline passengers entering US

Editor's Note

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, on January 12, signed an order to expand the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test to all airline passengers entering the US.

The order, which will become effective January 26, requires that:

• Airline passengers get a viral test within 3 days before their flight to the US departs.
• Airline passengers provide written documentation of their laboratory test results (paper or electronic copy) to the airline or provide documentation of having recovered from COVID-19.
• Airlines confirm negative test results for all passengers or documentation of recovery before they board.
• Airlines deny boarding to passengers who do not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or choose not to take a test.

Testing before and after travel is critical to slowing the introduction and spread of COVID-19, the CDC says.