In a move that would utterly devastate international tourism for the United States, the Biden Administration is reportedly considering a mandated self-quarantine for all legally entering persons. This would include American citizens and non-citizens, especially in regards to incoming international flights. Illegally entering persons, specifically those entering via the southern border, are reportedly not included in the mandate.
In addition, they are debating a controversial proposal to require all travelers, including U.S. citizens, toself-quarantine for seven days, even if their test results are negative. Those who flout the requirements might be subject to fines and penalties, the first time such penalties would be linked to testing and quarantine measures for travelers in the United States.
For Walt Disney World and other major theme parks, this would undoubtedly result in mass cancellations from nearly every single international tourist. It would simply be untenable to arrive, quarantine seven full days, and then go to the parks. The same is likely true for nearly every other tourist destination seeking a return to normal from international tourism.
The debated mandate is part of the United States’ response actions to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Information is not yet well-known about the variant, if known at all. Much research will still need to occur. Some say the variant is less deadly with mild symptoms, including the doctor who discovered it in South Africa. Still, some countries have responded aggressively for fear the variant will spread rapidly with great effect. Israel has shut down its borders to all international travel, the United Kingdom has taken stringent steps against travel to parts of Africa, and the world seems to be reentering a state of restrictions and fear.
ALERT: Fox's Peter Doocy says on Thursday the White House plans to announce some of the strictest Covid restrictions on Americans yet.pic.twitter.com/IMTT4RB1TA
— Election Wizard (@ElectionWiz) December 1, 2021
That Park Place takes no position as to the efficacy of the proposed measures in combating a virus. This site also makes no assertion as to the danger involved with the Omicron variant. As always, we encourage readers to speak and consult with their medical doctor for all issues regarding healthcare and risk management. However, we must report on the potential effects of this action on the subjects we cover: theme parks, tourism, and travel.
We have included news references to this story from The Washington Post and Fox News in order to provide information obtained from both ends of the political spectrum. That Park Place is not a political or partisan website and takes no position in global, domestic, or local political debate.
Update December 2nd, 11:05 AM EST:
The Biden Administration has announced that it will be tightening testing protocols with smaller windows of accepted testing and results. However, they are not at this time implementing mandatory quarantines for international travelers.
