TRENTON, N.J. (WCBS 880) — Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday said all United Airlines passengers arriving in Newark Airport from the UK will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
The news comes as local officials continue to fend off a mutant strain of the coronavirus spreading throughout Britain.
Gov. Murphy says the new testing rules will go into effect on Monday, Dec. 28.
According to the guidance, all United customers heading to Newark Airport on flights from London Heathrow Airport must present proof of a negative test obtained within 72 hours of departure. The rule applies to all non-connecting flights.
“As we continue to experience a second wave of COVID-19 cases, it’s critical that we take any and all precautions to mitigate the potential for further transmission,” Murphy said in a statement. “While New Jersey continues to strongly discourage all non-essential travel at this time, if unavoidable, international travelers should adhere to CDC guidance for pre- and post-flight testing and the recommended self-quarantine period.”
Health officials say the new variant of COVID-19 is likely more contagious but, believe the COVID vaccines that are currently being distributed across the country will be effective against it.
The new strain has already led to lockdowns in the UK and worldwide restrictions on those traveling from the country.
Here are details of the rule:
· This impacts customers over the age of 5 originating travel from the UK; individuals connecting in LHR onto a United flight from another country would be exempt.
· For the month of December, United is operating 4 daily flights from London Heathrow to its hubs in Chicago, Newark, Washington and San Francisco.
· In January 2021, United will operate 2 daily flights from London Heathrow to its hubs in Newark and Chicago.
· Customers will be asked to show proof of a negative molecular COVID-19 test (such as PCR or LAMP), or antigen test, taken within 72 hours prior to departure from London Heathrow.
· Same-day, pre-flight rapid tests are also available for ticketed passengers at the Collinson testing center located in Terminal 2 at London Heathrow.
On Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said British Airways, Delta Airlines and Virgin Atlantic will also require UK passengers to present their negative COVID-19 test results before arriving in New York City.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has said that New York City Sheriff Deputies will also be heading to the homes and hotels of U.K. travelers to remind them that they must quarantine for at least 10 days upon arrival, as per guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
New York hospitals across the state have also started testing for the new and seemingly more infectious strain of the coronavirus to see if it has already arrived in the state.
New Jersey’s rule change came as the state reported another 4,871 coronavirus cases Thursday as daily deaths ticked down slightly after two days over 100.
Murphy said the 4,871 new cases bring the state’s total to 449,842.
There were also another 80 confirmed deaths, bringing the state’s death toll to 16,599.
“The numbers remain sobering — and they remain the biggest reason why we can’t get lax in our precautions, in our social distancing, and in wearing our masks,” Murphy said Wednesday.
He has repeatedly urged residents not to gather together on Christmas.
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