COVID-19 vaccines to be required for anyone crossing US land borders for essential travel

The federal government will be requiring anyone crossing a land border into the U.S. to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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The requirement was already previewed by President Joe Biden’s administration earlier this year, but will become official on Jan. 22, The Associated Press reported.

News of the measure was provided to the AP by a senior administration official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The rule has not been announced as of Wednesday morning.

This move will make essential travel rules the same as those for leisure travel. Leasure travel vaccination requirements went into effect Nov. 8, The New York Times reported.

Not only will the rule apply to people crossing the border by land, but also those who are entering the country by ferry, the AP reported.

It will apply to non-U.S. nationals. U.S. citizens and prominent residents may enter regardless of vaccination status, but will have to undergo testing, the AP reported.

Not all agree with the move.

Norita Taylor, the spokeswoman for the trucking group Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said the requirement will force companies out of business.

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