CDC testing requirement for U.K. travelers creates doubt with new variants popping up

In response to the new stain of COVID-19 found in the United Kingdom, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put new requirements in place for those traveling from the U.K. to America. However, the precautionary efforts are being criticized by infectious disease experts who say that little benefits are gained from the new requirements.

In a press release from the CDC, the requirements entail travelers from the U.K. receive a negative test for the virus no more than 72 hours before departure. Some researchers on the CDC's COVID-19 response team say this requirement reduces the risk of spreading the infection at most 9%. 

Infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania Dr. Paul Offitsaid said the new requirement "is like putting up a chain link fence to keep out a mosquito."

The CDC acknowledges that "testing does not eliminate all risk. However, agency officials say with other precautions it can help to make traveling safer.

Another infectious disease specialist pointed out that the variant appeared in the U.K. months ago and is most likely already in the United States.

Variants of the coronavirus are appearing in several states across the U.S. including the first appearance in Colorado and then in California.