Biden’s spokeswoman said that he will keep the travel ban on Brazil and much of the EU, despite the executive order from Trump to lift them. On Monday, the White House decreed that the entry ban would end six days after Biden assumes presidential office.
Jen Psaki, Biden’s spokesperson, took to Twitter and stated that now is not the time to ease the travel ban as the US remains the worst-affected country by the pandemic. On Wednesday, President-elect is scheduled to assume the presidential office.
More:
- Donald Trump Backs Away from Lockdown instead Ordered Travel Ban
- Trump’s New Travel Ban; Tears of reckoning to Nigeria, Eritrea, Tanzania, Sudan
In May last year, Washington imposed an entry ban on Brazil, and last March, the US imposed restrictions on much of Europe. Immediately after the White House issued the decree, Psaki took to Twitter and said, “On the advice of our medical team, the administration does not intend to lift these restrictions on 1/26.”
She further added that the incoming administration is determined to put in place better policies around international travel in a bid to curb the further spread of the respiratory disease. Psaki said that as the new variants of the pandemic are emerging across the world, it is not the right time yet to lift the travel restrictions.
Just minutes earlier, the White House issued a statement and stated that the incumbent has signed an order, lifting the entry ban on European countries, including Ireland and the UK, from January 26. The statement further added that the restrictions on China and Iran would remain in place.
This comes after the last week’s decision by the American CDC that most air travelers arriving in the country will require to submit proof of recovery from the respiratory disease or a COVID-19 negative test.
