Cuomo tells New York hospitals to start testing new mutant strain of COVID

British Airways

COVID-19 testing mandatory on all flights to New York City starting December 22.

No mandatory test on all other flights. The airline also serves Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago and Miami

Delta et Virgin

Mandatory testing on all flights to the United States, starting with New York and Atlanta from December 24.

Travelers will need to take a LAMP or PCR test up to 72 hours before departure, adding an extra layer of security when traveling.

The airline also offers flights to Orlando and one-stop routes to other US cities.

They tell people with booked flights to monitor their website for information.

United Airlines

No COVID-19 test mandatory on flights.

Twice daily flights from London to the US scheduled for 2021

American Airlines

Partner with BA. No compulsory test on flights

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New York’s COVID numbers are the third-best in the country after Hawaii and Vermont.

The statewide positivity rate is 5.89 percent and varies by region; The Mohawk Valley is over 8%, but New York City is just over 4%.

Manhattan’s test positivity rate is 2.75 compared to Staten Island, which is over 5%.

Despite the low rates, Cuomo has put an end to all dining in New York City, bringing the restaurant industry to its knees. He said blackout is preventable, however.

He also persuaded three airlines – Delta, British Airways and Virgin – to require COVID testing for passengers arriving in the UK.

On Monday, the three airlines accepted his request. He again said on Tuesday that the federal government had done nothing.

“I spoke to people from the federal government. First, it’s a transition point, and the federal officials I’ve spoken to recognize that.

“There are different levels of concern. They have, frankly, different levels of engagement.

“What New York has done is a very simple model to replicate. It comes down to simple testing. Failure to do so is gross negligence.

“There is no reason not to do it, especially when you know it is spreading and you know it is dangerous,” he said.

Fauci said earlier today that the imposition of negative COVID tests on all flights to the United States from the United Kingdom was “under active discussion.”

Cuomo said he was powerless to do more than he already did.

It’s not clear that he only used three of the airlines that fly to New York each day as the mutant strain is already traveling the world.

“I think the United States should say that we are testing before anyone comes from a country because the British variant has already migrated.

“The virus was in China – the virus got on a plane and within days the virus went global.

“I would say – compulsory test for anyone coming from any country. I can not do it.

“We don’t control the borders. If I could do it, I would. What I did yesterday was an extraordinary step. I called the airlines and asked to be added to a national protocol. They agreed.

“This is what I think the United States should do,” he said.

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