The U.S. decided to lift the entry ban on eight African countries after the advent of Omicron, starting on the 31st of this month, about a month later.
On the 29th of last month, the United States imposed entry bans on eight countries including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Losotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi.
Specifically, foreigners who have stayed in these eight countries within the previous 14 days are prohibited from boarding planes to the United States.
However, as Omicron has spread rapidly enough to become the dominant species in the United States, and research results on the risks and vaccine response of Omicron have been published one after another, it has been pointed out that there is no need to maintain this limit any longer.
A U.S. official said that the purpose of the entry ban had been achieved and that health authorities recommended lifting the travel restrictions, given the widespread contagion situation in the United States, the maintenance of the measure would not have a significant impact.
In addition, he said that this reflects the confidence that a vaccine specific to Omicron is not required and that the vaccine and booster shot (boost shot) currently used are very effective.