U.S. airline stocks plunged on Wednesday, following health officials’ indication that travelers from China will require a negative Covid test before entering the U.S.
The testing directive will include travelers coming directly from China as well as those who visited the nation ten days before their departure to the U.S. Health officials will ask for either a negative antigen or PCR test. The requirement is set to take effect on January 5.
China has relaxed nearly all of its Zero-Covid policy-related restrictions over the past week, including quarantine requirements for foreign travelers. However, the spread of new infections continue to be a concern. Earlier this week, China's top health authority estimated that infections may be spreading at a rate of 1 to 2 million people per day.