Happy New Year! I’ve taken some time off from blogging to rest my mind a bit, which I’m sure has left an unremittable mark on your soul, but worry no longer! I have at least two more posts coming after this one, so get ready for the onslaught!
This news came recently from the CDC and the outgoing Trump administration: if you’re outside of the USA, a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours will now be required to board your flight back home to the United States.
That’s effective immediately. Even for US citizens and permanent residents. Even if it was just a quick weekend trip down to Mexico.
Eek.
Logistical funhouse
COVID tests are now fairly widely available across the United States and many other countries, but what this new policy means is you need to plan ahead. Many hotels and resorts are now offering COVID tests that qualify for the re-entry requirements. Make no mistake, though, the onus is on you to find a testing center.
There are people who will say that the US government cannot refuse entry to one of its citizens, and you’re right, but the CDC and Biden administration have tasked the airlines with enforcing this, so you will not even be able to board the plane home without one of these tests.
Is this even necessary?
Listen, your opinions don’t really matter right now, especially when it comes to this policy. We all have opinions that run the gamut from “NOBODY SHOULD BE TRAVELING” to “THE WORLD HAS TO OPEN UP AND IF YOU’RE SICK OR AT RISK JUST STAY HOME” and it’s not my place to tell you what’s right or wrong, because the answer is probably somewhere in the middle.
Let’s not get lost by focusing on what we should be doing, let’s focus instead on what is and how to adapt to it. If you want to come to the USA, you need a negative COVID test within 72 hours of departure. The CDC has a pretty helpful FAQ here.
More to come, stay safe out there!
