US tightens travel rules in response to Omicron threats  

We are all aware that the world is now under threat of more cases and fatalities brought about by the emerging COVID-19 variant Omicron. Scientists warn that this latest strain has far more transmissibility than Delta such that it’s now present in almost 40 countries in such short time after it was first detected. There are also concerns about the efficacy of the present vaccines against Omicron and how fast our capabilities are in outpacing the ever-changing mutations of this virus. Governments, having learned from prior experience with the original virus and of the Delta surge, have instituted the customary approaches --masking, social distancing, lockdowns if necessary and ramping up widespread vaccinations.

The Biden administration announced its own plans of stemming the advance of Omicron. As there are cases already reported within continental US and with the approaching winter season, Biden pledged to address the latest surge with “science and speed”. His measures include increasing vaccinations and booster shots, stricter testing for international travelers, access to rapid home test kits, travel restrictions for certain countries, and helping other countries in their vaccination efforts.

As far as travel rules are concerned, here are the specifics you need to know:

1.) Starting December 6, COVID-19 testing is now required within one day from departure for the US regardless of nationality or vaccination status;

2.) Wearing of masks in airports and inside airplanes is extended until March 18;

3.) Children two years and older are covered under the testing requirement;

4.) Testing only applies to air travelers. Those entering the US though the sea and land borders are not required;

5.) There is no post-arrival testing or quarantine requirement but the government could impose those whenever necessary.

Make sure that you follow the latest rules if you plan to enter the US after December 6. Keep abreast of the latest guidelines in order to avoid delaying or missing your flight.

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With the pandemic lasting almost two years now, all of us, including me, have been feeling this pandemic fatigue. As good as we are in adjusting to the new normal, somehow we are tired of the restrictions imposed on us and all we long for is just to get back our freedoms and former way of life.

I have friends who are fully-vaccinated and yet contracted COVID-19. More often they can trace it to when they were dining out, from Thanksgiving family reunion, or from just simply going to church. It’s in these situations where you tend to let your guard down such as taking off masks, sitting next to each other, talking, and enjoying the company of family and friends.

One cannot help but ask: If the whole point of getting vaccinated is not to contract COVID-19 or at least minimize the severity if you get it, then why are the masking and physical distancing requirements still in place? Why are we still restricted from doing what we used to? True, the vaccinated still get infected but their symptoms are mild enough that most of them are not hospitalized or have avoided death.

Let us continue to be smart and savvy against this virus. I still wear a mask in public, avoid large crowds, practice physical distancing, and had my booster shot. I still continue to advocate for vaccines, fight misinformation, and encourage friends and family to get a booster shot.

We have made this far, there is no reason we cannot go on some more.