ALBANY – As COVID-19 mutates with the pandemic spreading in the United Kingdom, governments in 120 nations are either requiring passengers from the UK to be tested before boarding or are banning UK travelers all together for the time being.
Three airlines fly daily from the UK to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York – British Airways, Delta, and Virgin Atlantic.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has asked them to voluntarily test travelers before boarding to ensure they are COVID negative. In fact, the governor has received a commitment from British Airways that it will test passengers.
If the other two airlines decline to do so, Cuomo said he will do whatever is in his power to enforce that requirement.
On a lighter note, the governor said he has obtained a worldwide travel waiver from State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker to lift the 14-day quarantine requirement for Santa Claus so he can make his Christmas Eve deliveries to all the boys and girls around the globe.
