CDC Directs Airlines , to Hand Over Passenger Information , Amid Omicron Concerns.
'Newsweek' reports that all airlines operating in the
United States have been directed to share passenger information with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. .
The CDC reportedly requested information about anyone who
recently traveled to eight African countries that fall under the
travel ban issued by the Biden administration last week. .
The CDC reportedly requested information about anyone who
recently traveled to eight African countries that fall under the
travel ban issued by the Biden administration last week. .
The directive comes shortly after
the World Health Organization identified
the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. .
'Newsweek' reports that South African
health officials alerted the WHO on November 24
of the emergence of the Omicron variant.
On November 26, Biden announced
a travel ban on anyone coming from:, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique,
Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana.
The travel ban went into effect
the morning of November 29.
According to 'Newsweek,' the information
requested by the CDC included names,
addresses and other information.
The directive applied to any flight containing at least
one passenger who visited any of the eight countries
covered by the travel ban within two weeks of boarding. .
'Newsweek' reports that on November 28, the CDC
expanded its enhanced biosurveillance program
of the Omicron variant to four U.S. airports. .
The program was implemented in September at
JFK International, Newark Liberty International
and San Francisco International Airports.