Borders to be reopened for fully vaccinated from Nov. 08

The US is set to lift its travel ban for fully vaccinated individuals from November 08.

The White House announced that vaccinated individuals who have had a negative COVID test 72 hours before boarding will be allowed to enter.

Restrictions were imposed last year when countries, including the US were battling mass COVID surges. Anticipating and fearing new variants, the US stopped foreign travelers from entering the country.

Current rules applicable till Nov. 08 restrict foreign travelers who have been to China, South Africa, India, Brazil, Iran, UK and other EU countries from entering the US.

Foreigners who have received FDA approved shots, or WHO’s Emergency Use Listing will qualify under the Nov. 08 rules.

WHO’s Emergency Use Listing has China’s Sinovac and Sinopharm approved. The efficacy of the Chinese vaccines has worried many around the World. Sinovac’s large phase-3 trial in Brazil showed it had “an efficacy of 51% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.”

Sinopharm however, has “an efficacy of 79% against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection 14 or more days after the second dose,” according to the WHO.

Many don’t trust Chinese vaccines, and they have been one of the reasons behind the protests against Brazilian President Bolsonaro.

The WHO has lost trust as well when it comes to China. People worry it may be wrong yet again like it was when it didn’t raise the alarm over human-to-human transmission.