CDC Imposes New Mandate for Travelers From China, but Experts Note Several Problems

'The requirement is wholly irrational and not necessary,' said Dr. Simone Gold

A general view of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta on Sept. 30, 2014. Tami Chappell/Reuters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest announcement of a new travel mandate affecting travelers from China into the United States is seen as problematic by several health experts.

On Dec. 28, the CDC announced that beginning Jan. 5, it will impose a requirement that all passengers 2 years and older boarding flights to the United States from China must produce a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery from the virus, if they tested positive to the virus 10 days before.