Biden to Extend Mask Mandate on Planes, Toughen Testing for Travelers Amid Omicron Jitters

The Biden administration is ramping up restrictions for travelers to and within the United States, requiring more stringent testing protocols and extending the existing mask mandate on domestic flights and public transportation to fight COVID-19 variants over the cold winter months.

The White House said on Dec. 2 that President Joe Biden would announce the changes later in the day, with the actions coming in response to the threat of COVID-19 variants—both Delta and the recently emerged Omicron strain.

International travelers coming to the United States will have to test for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, within 24 hours of departure, regardless of nationality or vaccination status. That’s a change from the current 72 hours.

“This tighter testing timeline provides an added degree of public health protection as scientists continue to assess the Omicron variant,” the White House said.