White House considers testing requirement for travelers from the United Kingdom

The White House is considering requiring travelers from the United Kingdom to present proof of a negative coronavirus test before arriving in the United States, two administration officials tell CNN.

The discussions come amid the discovery of a new variant of coronavirus discovered in the UK and as a slew of countries have suspended travel. US public health officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said they do not believe the situation currently warrants suspending travel from the UK.

Officials discussed the possible requirement during a coronavirus task force meeting on Monday and officials are expected to present this option to President Donald Trump by Tuesday, the officials said.

Three airlines have already agreed to enforce a similar arrangement with New York for flights arriving in that state.

The requirement under discussion at the White House would require passengers traveling from the UK to the US to present proof of a negative coronavirus test administered within 48 or 72 hours of arrival in the US.

Devin O’Malley, a spokesman for Vice President Mike Pence, who heads the coronavirus task force, declined to comment on task force discussions.