On Friday, the United States announced the lifting of travel restrictions imposed last month on eight countries in southern Africa due to fears of the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Reuters reported a senior U.S. official stating that foreigners who were barred from entering the U.S. because they had been in one of the eight countries within the previous fourteen days would be allowed to re-enter the U.S. after 12:01 AM Eastern Time on December 31.
On November 29, the U.S. banned entry for non-Americans who had been in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, and Malawi "as a precaution" against the Omicron variant discovered in South Africa. The official noted that U.S. public health agencies recommended lifting travel restrictions because keeping them would not significantly affect infections in the country, given the widespread transmission currently occurring in the U.S.
Regarding the need for a specific vaccine for the Omicron variant, the U.S. official indicated that existing vaccines and booster doses are highly effective in containing it.
**Reassurance from Biden**
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden sought to reassure Americans about the country's ability to confront the accelerating spread of the Omicron variant, which has become dominant in the U.S. Biden acknowledged that the situation raises concerns about Omicron but emphasized the need "not to panic," affirming that conditions are different than they were in March 2020. He stated, "There are 200 million people who are fully vaccinated. We are ready and more knowledgeable. We just need to keep our focus."
The U.S. president highlighted "three key differences" now compared to the early pandemic stage, the first being the availability of vaccines, as well as the ample supply of personal protective equipment for healthcare providers who must deal with the influx of unvaccinated individuals in hospitals, in addition to the accumulated knowledge about the virus.
The White House previously clarified President Biden's strategy regarding the virus, which includes testing, enhancing vaccination capabilities, and providing additional resources for hospitals, without imposing new restrictions ahead of Christmas. Long lines for testing centers have extended across the U.S. early in the week, and a senior White House official confirmed that "it is not necessary to close our schools and economy."
