White House mulls requiring UK travelers to provide negative coronavirus test: report

The White House is mulling requiring travelers coming from the U.K. to provide a negative coronavirus test ahead of their arrival in the U.S. amid the emergence of a new strain of the virus overseas, CNN reported Monday.

Two administration officials told CNN that the White House was considering mandating that passengers from the U.K. test negative for COVID-19 within 48 or 72 hours of their arrival in the U.S. 

Officials reportedly detailed a potential plan to institute the restriction during a Monday coronavirus task force meeting. They are expected to present the possible plan to President Trump by Tuesday.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The new strain of the coronavirus is estimated to be 70 percent more contagious than the original, prompting U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson to reverse the country’s plans to relax restrictions during the Christmas holiday. 

Since Johnson’s announcement, more than 40 countries have banned U.K. flights from arriving in their nation. 

Several U.S. health officials, including top infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci, have recommended against suspending travel from the U.K. yet. Vivek Murthy, President-elect Joe Biden’s nominee for surgeon general, said Sunday that the strain does not appear to be any deadlier. 

Adm. Brett Giroir, the White House testing czar, told CNN that restrictions were discussed but not yet recommended in a conversation with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert Redfield.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) said he requested that three airlines require all passengers to be tested before arriving at area airports. He told CNN on Monday evening that the three airlines — Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Delta Air Lines — have all agreed to the testing precautions.