EU to reimpose travel curbs on US amid rise in Covid cases

European Union countries voted to subject the US to fresh restrictions on nonessential travel amid a surge in new coronavirus cases, dealing a blow to the tourism industry. A qualified majority of ambassadors voted to reintroduce the curbs, which had been lifted in June, according to an EU statement on Monday. The change appears most likely to affect unvaccinated Americans. The US had 588 new Covid-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the two weeks ending Aug. 22, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, well above the limit of 75 set out in the EU guidelines. Airline stocks dropped in the US, likely in anticipation of the EU move. The guidance from the bloc is a recommendation and any decision on who to let in, and what restrictions to impose, ultimately rests with the governments of each member state. Countries can also choose to accept proof of vaccination to waive travel restrictions. While countries have largely followed the EU guidelines, there have been times when individual nations have diverged from them. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US is still developing its international travel policy, including potentially strengthening testing rules and, “over time,” possibly requiring vaccination for all visiting foreign nationals. No final decision has been made, she said. <br/>