UK's Coronavirus Variant Continues Spreading

During the most recent reporting period in the United Kingdom (UK), the highest percentage of people testing positive and compatible with the new SARS-CoV-2 virus variant were confirmed in London and the East of England. Published on January 5, 2021, the UK's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data indicates the vast majority of new COVID-19 cases in these cities are related to the B117 variant.

And the weighted fortnightly (2-weeks) estimate to January 2, 2021, shows the percentage testing positive in England has continued to increase, reaching 1.98%.

In reaction to these trends, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it would require all air passengers entering the USA beginning January 26, 2021, to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of departure, from any worldwide destination​. This new CDC Order supersedes a previous Order focused on the UK, issued on December 28, 2020.

The CDC's Level 4 Travel Alert says, 'Travelers should avoid all travel to the UK as your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 increases.'

And if you do travel abroad, before traveling back to the USA, get tested with a viral test 1–3 days before departure. After you travel, get tested 3–5 days and stay home for 7 days, says the CDC.