US considers COVID-19 testing on some international flights

Wednesday, 29 April 2020 08:39

US President Donald Trump said his administration is looking at introducing COVID-19 tests on international flights from coronavirus hotspots.

During his White House briefing, he said they were working with airlines on rolling out the plan "in the very near future".

It comes as the coronavirus death toll in the country - at more than 58,000 - exceeded the toll from the Vietnam war.

Positive cases have topped 1 million, with the numbers doubling in 18 days.

Health officials added that the numbers could be higher, cautioning the shortage in testing units.

Meanwhile, several states have already begun easing restrictions despite health experts warning that it could cause a surge in new cases.

More from International News

No injuries reported after fallen drone debris hits six houses in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence have announced on Tuesday that debris from an intercepted drone fell on six houses in a neighborhood in its Al-Kharj Governorate, causing limited material damage, with no injuries reported.
China confirms three ships passed through Strait of Hormuz

Three Chinese ships have recently sailed through the Strait of Hormuz after coordination with relevant parties, a foreign ministry spokesperson told a regular daily press briefing on Tuesday, while calling for peace and stability in the Gulf Region.
Three UN peacekeepers killed in Lebanon as Israeli strikes pummel south

Three United Nations peacekeepers from Indonesia have been killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon after a weekend that killed Lebanese journalists and medics in Israeli strikes.
Russian attacks kill two, injure dozens

Russian attacks on central and northern Ukrainian regions on Monday have killed two people and injured more than 20, regional officials said.
Iran calls US peace proposals 'unrealistic', Trump issues new warning to Tehran

President Donald Trump warned on Monday that Iran's energy plants and oil wells would be obliterated if it did not open the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran described US peace proposals as "unrealistic" and fired waves of missiles at Israel.

Four injured in fallen debris incident in southern Dubai
Four people were injured on Tuesday after debris from a successful interception fell on residential houses in southern Dubai, with property in the area damaged.
UAE fuel prices to go up in April
Motorists in the UAE will pay more at the pumps in April.
UAE air forces respond to incoming missile, drone threats on Tuesday
The UAE's Ministry of Defence has announced that it is responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran on Tuesday, with the public advised to remain in a safe location.