The U.S. requires a negative COVID-19 certificate before flying from the U.K.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced today that passengers flying from the United Kingdom to the United States must be screened negative for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) prior to departure. This is the latest restriction imposed to curb the spread of a new variant of the virus.

The new variant of the virus is believed to be more contagious and has caused many countries around the world to close their borders to British travelers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement that the new rules will take effect on the 28th, requiring travelers to test negative 72 hours prior to departure.

Some airlines, including British Airways and Delta Air Lines Inc. have agreed to require passengers to test negative before flying from the U.K. to New York because of the new variant of the virus.