by Donald Wood
Last updated: 8:50 AM ET, Tue May 2, 2023
The United State Government announced it would end COVID-19
vaccination requirements for international travelers and federal workers on May
11.
According to Reuters.com,
President Joe Biden and health officials in his administration said the
coronavirus-related requirement would be lifted when the public health
emergency ends next week.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the agency
would no longer require non-citizens entering America via land ports and
ferries to be vaccinated against COVID-19, starting on May 12.
As for federal employees, the Department of Health and Human
Services said it would start the process to end vaccination requirements for
Head Start educators and government-certified healthcare facilities.
In February, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to lift
coronavirus-related
vaccination requirements for most foreign air travelers. President Biden also
eliminated testing requirements last year, but left in place the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine protocols for international
tourists.
In response, U.S. Travel Association CEO Geoff Freeman issued
the following statement:
“Today’s action to lift the vaccine requirement eases a
significant entry barrier for many global travelers, moving our industry and
country forward,” Freeman said.
“However, the return of international visitors should be as
efficient and secure as possible,” Freeman continued. “The federal government
must ensure U.S. airports and other ports of entry are appropriately staffed
with Customs and Border Protection officers to meet the growing demand for
entry.”
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