CDC Starts Accepting COVID Home Tests For Passengers Going to the US

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidelines for international passengers headed to the US. According to the health agency, it is going to accept a negative result from COVID home tests for travelers entering the US.

In January, the CDC announced that passengers 2 years and older should have a negative COVID result 72 hours before the flight. If not, you need to show proof that you’ve recovered from COVID19 in the last three months.

Last Friday, CDC updated the FAQ on their website. You can now enter the US even if you just used COVID home tests. It should be a SARS-CoV-2 NAAT or an antigen test that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

As for the test, it is going to be supervised by a telehealth service provider that is associated with the test manufacturer. The telehealth provider will provide a detailed report to confirm the person’s test result.

COVID Home Tests Encourages Travel

Airlines for America lauded CDC’s move to allow COVID home tests. In a statement, A4A said that “This is an encouraging step in facilitating the international travel process, while continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of all travelers and employees seeking entry to the US”.

In April, the CDC considered fully vaccinated individuals at low risk whenever they are traveling. With the number of Americans that already completed their vaccine doses, the agency is slowly lifting strict travel measures.

However, the US is still vigilant when it comes to welcoming international travelers. The US fears the possibility of having new COVID19 variants. The CDC together with the US State Department included 80% of countries worldwide in its highest alert level. Plus, the US government wanted Americans in India to return to the US. India is currently dealing with 300,000 plus cases per day aggravate by a shortage in medical care.