Despite his short tenure, US President Donald Trump is seen as still 'working hard' when he issued the latest directive to lift the ban on Brazilians and most European countries from January 26.
Reuters in November reported that the Trump administration had considered the sanctions imposed earlier last year following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last week, the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Marty Cetron signed an order requiring all tourists to submit a negative coronavirus test or proof they have recovered from Covid-19 if entering the US from January 26.
According to Cetron, the entry ban implemented is an initial action strategy to deal with the spread of the virus and should be actively considered at this time.
Those in Brazil, the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland and 26 countries in the Schengen area of Europe in the last 14 days, will reportedly be allowed to enter the US once the sanctions are lifted.
Meanwhile, the US aviation industry hopes the new health test conditions will pave the way for the US administration to lift travel restrictions, which has reduced tourist arrivals from several European countries by 95%.
Reuters previously reported the White House would not consider lifting sanctions on tourists recently in China or Iran.
The White House, however, did not comment on the latest directive.
Prospective President Joe Biden is expected to re-impose the sanctions once he is officially inaugurated tomorrow.
