America's game of catch up

America is trailing behind. We know it; we've known it. But I wonder if Americans really understand just how far behind they are. Here is the US gov. message sent out to all embassies. It's coming out as new and urgent information.

But here's the thing: requiring a negative covid test has been essential for travelers arriving in Africa since last September, a full 5 months ago. You cannot leave or enter an airport without a negative test result. It was a mandated part of opening airports again. 

At the end of the US notice, there are a few lines about those who live in countries where adequate testing is not available....which is the most ironic part of the whole message because it sounds like inadequate testing has been a problem of the US since the beginning. Across Africa, testing has been available on an on-demand basis, not just for those with symptoms or by prescription from a doctor. In some places, testing is free. Results are generally available within hours or 1-2 days at most, unlike the US which has struggled to get results out between 3-5 days. 

I understand there is a new government in place- congratulations to Americans on the ground. I hope it brings new policies, new attitudes and a new awareness of how America can learn from other countries and not just dictate condescending policies or rearrange foreign governments to suit their needs. (There was an informative and comprehensive list on twitter...which I cannot find again. Perhaps you saw it?)

I realize that is a lot to ask of a new administration. It is likely that, for the most part, day to day life will not change much. But hopefully a new message emanating from the Oval Office will inspire personal change, which is really where it all needs to begin anyway. 

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Health Alert - Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs (January 15, 2021)     

      

Location: Worldwide – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director has signed an order requiring all airline passengers traveling to the United States, including U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test or recovery from COVID-19.      

    

Event:  Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel or provide a positive test result and documentation from a licensed health care provider or public health official of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.  Passengers must also attest, under penalty of law, to having received a negative qualifying test result or to recovery from COVID-19 and medical clearance to travel.       

     

See the CDC Proof of Negative Test Result page to view the order, complete the attestation, and to see FAQ’s.       

     

Airlines must deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements.       

     

U.S. citizens in countries where adequate COVID-19 testing is not available or may not be able to satisfy the requirements, should depart immediately or prepare to be unable to return to the United States until such time as they can meet the requirements.