The Biden administration is considering whether to force all travelers returning to the U.S. to quarantine for seven days to curb the spread of the potentially dangerous omicron variant – and may fine those who refuse, three federal health officials told the Washington Post.
Even if they pass the Covid test, travelers would be prohibited from avoiding the quarantine requirement. This comes as Biden is preparing his winter Covid strategy. He plans to make it public Thursday. It would mark the first time that federal fines have been linked to testing and quarantine measures for U.S. citizens.
Biden’s tentative plan would also require everyone entering the country to be tested one day before boarding flights, regardless of their vaccination status or country from which they’re leaving. A third requirement would be for all travellers to undergo a second test within 3 to 5 days after their arrival.
Biden contemplates whether to require a seven day quarantine for all U.S. travelers.
This story is in the making. Keep checking back to see updates.