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The U.S. should consider a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for travel in the domestic air since the Omicron variant spreads rapidly across the nation, Anthony Fauci, MD director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said on Monday.
He also said that the Omicron variant is extremely contagious and should not be taken lightly. He urged people to get immunized and boost their immunity to ensure maximum protection.
Fauci stated that “When you make it mandatory to get vaccinated, that’s another incentive for people to get vaccinated” Fauci stated on MSNBC’s .
He added, “If you’re interested in doing that with domestic flights,” he added.
According to CNBC CNBC, the Biden administration hasn’t stated that a vaccination mandate will be put into place for domestic flights anytime soon. The White House declined to comment on the matter and referred the news organization at CNBC to President Joe Biden’s recent week’s announcement.
“It’s been thought of,” Biden told ABC News before Christmas. “But the recommendation I’ve gotten isn’t necessary.”
On Monday, Fauci said he didn’t think the requirement for vaccination would be imposed soon.
“Right now I don’t believe that people should expect that we’ll require on domestic flights to be vaccinated,” he told CNN.
He added, “When I was asked the question, I provided an honest answer.” It’s on the table, and we’re considering it. This doesn’t necessarily mean it will occur. I doubt if we’re going to see something like that in the near-term future.”
International travelers must provide proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 test prior boarding an U.S.-bound flight, and they must wear masks. On domestic flights, U.S. passengers must wear masks at airports and on planes, and wear them during the flight.
Sources:
MSNBC Morning Joe: “Dr. Fauci: Omicron is not something to be taken lightly.”
CNBC: “Fauci says U.S. should consider the possibility of a vaccine mandate for domestic travel, but he doesn’t expect to do so at this time.”
ABC News ABC News Biden to ABC’s David Muir: ‘Nothing’s good enough.
CNN: “Anderson Cooper 360 Degrees, Dec. 27, 2021.”
