MSGID: 2:292/854 1b413d1f
The prospect of a resumption of transatlantic air traffic between the US and
Europe appears to have been boosted by comments from US President Joe Biden.
He promised during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the White
House that more information will soon become available about the possible
lifting of the international travel ban.
 
"I can say more in the coming days," Biden reported. The ban on non-essential
travel to the US is now a year and a half old. Studies by the US Department of
Defense, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University have independently shown that
air travel is safe, provided proper precautions are taken," US media writes.
 
In Europe, restrictions on American travelers were already relaxed last month.
However, the US continued to adhere to the strict travel restrictions imposed
under former President Donald Trump. Officials have said the spread of the
Delta variant has held back the country's reopening to Europe, CNN reported.
 
Merkel confirms she received assurances from Biden during their meeting that
he was investigating the matter.
 
"Before making such a decision, it should be carefully considered," Merkel
said. "It is not wise to have to reverse the decision after just a few days.
Every day of outdated travel restrictions inflicts economic damage on our
nation, not to mention the personal toll that is exacted on people when their
family and loved ones are separated.
 
The US travel industry has urged the Biden administration, in line with the
latest science, to swiftly review its entry policy for international travel. 

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