The US has finally begun to allow non-citizens to reenter the country for work and leisure. This is great news for pretty much everyone in the hospitality industry and means that anyone who complies with the stringent standards will be able to enter. But what exactly are the regulations, who is eligible, and what kinds of tests are required?
What Type Of Travel Test Is Required And Who Qualifies?
Regarding who can qualify for entry, the same rules regarding visa requirements still stand. In addition to these existing rules, If you are a non-US citizen, you must produce documentation of having been immunized against COVID-19 before flying to the United States from another nation. Vaccinations recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) are accepted vaccinations. Furthermore, you must present a negative COVID-19 test result or proof of COVID recovery before heading out on a trip to the United States. If you are traveling on a direct journey to the United States, you must have completed your test within three calendar days of your flight’s departure. If you arrive in the United States via one or more stopovers, you must complete your test within three days of the first flight on your schedule.
Can You Use Any Lateral Flow Test Or Does It Need To Be From An FDA Authorised Supplier?
All travelers above the age of two must show proof of a negative Covid-19 test. The test can be a PCR, LAMP, or quick antigen test/lateral flow, and it must be performed no more than three days before departure. The test you select must have been approved by the FDA, such as the day 2 later flow test for the UK, which is FDA approved and provides you with the ability to perform the test in the comfort of your own home. The admission criteria for the United States differ from those of other countries since tests conducted at home must be performed under observation, which can also be video monitoring, also known as telehealth. Otherwise, a healthcare practitioner must conduct the test in person.
Is It Possible To Take It From Home Or At The Airport?
It is possible and, in some cases, recommended to perform the test at home. However, due to the requirements laid out in the presidential proclamation, there are specific caveats involved, including:
- It must be a US-recognized SARS-CoV-2 viral test.
- You must perform the test under direct supervision using a telehealth service.
- The person supervising your test must be confident that you have performed the test correctly and that you are who you say you are.
You can also take this test at the airport as it is straightforward to use, and you typically get your results within 20 minutes. However, the same supervision requirements remain, meaning that it may be easier to do it at home before heading to the airport.
What’s The Difference Between A Pcr And Lateral Flow Test?
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a test used to detect the presence of nucleic acids in a sample. A PCR test uses a polymerase chain reaction to make multiple copies of a DNA molecule in order to detect the presence of a specific gene or nucleotide sequence in a sample. Nevertheless, the results are also expensive and slow to arrive.
OIn the other hand, a Lateral Flow Test (LFT) is a type of screening test that tests for the presence of a substance by placing a drop of fluid from an individual onto a strip or membrane where it can be easily seen. The test uses colorimetric indicators that change color when reacting with specific compounds, including specific bodily fluids. Lateral flow tests are small, portable, sensitive, and quick to run. This makes them ideal for use in places where solid-phase tests are either not available or would be too difficult to perform. The primary differences between the two tests include:
- Pricetag: PCR tests are dramatically more expensive than lateral flow tests, and in some cases, the difference can be hundreds of dollars.
- The process: Each requires a sample from the nose and throat, while some lateral flow test suppliers claim that a sample from the nose is sufficient.
- Results: PCR tests need to be sent to a laboratory, which can take several days to receive your result. You can perform an LFT almost anywhere and get results faster than a PCR.
Even though the US has begun to allow international visitors to enter the country, stringent measures are still required. These include having a full course of a WHO-recognized vaccination and performing an FDA-approved antigen test 3 days before your scheduled flight.
The post What Are The COVID Regulations For Entering The US? Find Out Here was first published on Coworkaholic.