Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The current Covid-19 pandemic in the United States (US) has not shown significant signs of improvement. On Friday, (12/3/2021), Uncle Sam’s country recorded the highest daily infection record since September.
Citing data BNO NewsroomThe US found 139,424 cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours. This addition was followed by an increase in the death toll of 1,317 cases.
With this addition, the US is still the country with the most Covid-19 cases in the world by reporting 48.1 million cases accompanied by 777,000 deaths since the virus entered its territory.
Meanwhile, this increase itself occurred when Washington began to report the entry of the latest variant, Omicron, in its region. Cases of the variant have already been reported in California, New York, Colorado and Minnesota.
US President Joe Biden himself has reportedly tightened travel rules to and within the US. All incoming international passengers must be tested for Covid-19 within 24 hours starting Monday (6/12/2021).
The tightened pre-departure testing protocol will apply to all incoming international travelers regardless of vaccination status. Previously, the US required proof of a negative Covid-19 test to be taken within 72 hours of departure, even if only for newly vaccinated travelers.
Unvaccinated travelers must also have a negative Covid-19 test. The result must also be valid within one day of departure.
The US has also extended mandatory mask requirements on airplanes and public transportation until March 18, 2022. This mandate is supposed to expire in January 2022. The fine will be doubled for non-compliance. From US$500 to US$3,000 for repeat offenders.
The Omicron variant itself has been included as a ‘variant of concern’ by WHO. The variant was initially widespread in Botswana and South Africa. Until now, the WHO is still conducting further research on the virus, especially regarding the ability of the virus to fight the immune system made by ordinary Covid-19 vaccines.
(tps/sef)
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