COVID-19: UK Travelers Should Test Negative Before Boarding Due to New Virus Strain

Travelers from the UK would have to test negative of the coronavirus before entry in light of recent concerns over the new coronavirus strain.

The new restrictions on UK travelers would be effective on Monday as U.S. health authorities attempt to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus strain which is said to be more contagious.

Travelers coming from the UK will need to present a negative test within 72 hours of their planned departure, said a report from Daily Wire.

A statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday that the new coronavirus strain may be up to 70% more transmissible then previously circulating variants.

According to New York Times, the U.S. isn't the only country to impose these kinds of restrictions.

More than 50 countries have already sealed their borders or raised precautions for people upon arrival.

All American citizens and foreign visitors will have to meet these new restrictions.

This new rule was a reversal for the Trump administration which initially said testing doesn't need to be a requirement for travelers from Britain.

Nonessential travel will also be banned for much of Britain starting Saturday.

All Airports to Required Verify Traveler Testing

Some airlines such as those from London to New York have already instituted similar policies for people flying in from the region.

But now, all airlines will be forced to verify if passengers really tested negative for the coronavirus within the said time frame, said a report from The Associated Press.

Read also: COVID-19 Vaccine Begins To Rollout in Latin American Countries

If people refused to provide a negative COVID-19 test, they have to be denied boarding.

The CDC said the new order was in accordance with the existing safety measures taken to increase detection and ability to contain COVID-19.

"This additional testing requirement will fortify our protection of the American public to improve their health and safety and ensure responsible international travel," the statement read.

The agency also told AP News that since travel restrictions were put in place in March, air travel between the U.S. and UK already went down 90%.

Immediate Testing Hangs on Balance for After-Christmas Travelers

Since the U.S. is in the middle of Christmas holidays, some testing facilities halted operations, which may leave many travelers in the face of uncertainty.

Many private testing clinics closed down for Christmas day so testing within the 72-hour time frame could be difficult for people seeking to fly between countries for New Year's Day.

This is more difficult for PCR screening that requires several days to process in a lab.

The rapid test gives results in about 30 minutes, but it is not a widely available testing option yet despite its cheaper price.

Read also: U.S., Pfizer Seal New Vaccine Deal for 100 Million More Doses

For example, England's Heathrow Airport charges passengers around $130 for a PCR test that gives results within 48 hours. Meanwhile, it charges $60 for rapid antigen tests that gives results in 45 minutes.

Both the rapid antigen and PCR tests are available in major airports in the UK but travelers who want to go to the U.S. should register for testing in advance.

It's still unknown how many people could be given tests at these airports and get results in time for their flight.