WASHINGTON, May 2, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - The White House on Monday announced a
May 11 end to Covid-19 vaccine requirements for travelers to the United
States and for government employees across the world's biggest economy.

"Today, we are announcing that the administration will end the Covid-19
vaccine requirements for federal employees, federal contractors, and
international air travelers at the end of the day on May 11, the same day
that the Covid-19 public health emergency ends," a statement said.

More than a million people died from Covid-19 in the United States. However,
the White House noted that the pandemic had been all but stopped, leading to
the government lifting restrictions dating back from when the disease was
ravaging entire communities and forcing crippling economic shutdowns.

"Since January 2021, Covid-19 deaths have declined by 95 percent and
hospitalizations are down nearly 91 percent. Globally, Covid-19 deaths are at
their lowest levels since the start of the pandemic," the statement said.

According to the White House, "vaccine requirements bolstered vaccination
across the nation, and our broader vaccination campaign has saved millions of
lives."

While demanding proof of a Covid vaccination for foreigners boarding US-bound
flights mirrored the practice of many countries, the domestic government
vaccination mandates sparked sometimes fierce political backlash at home.

In addition to ending the vaccine rules, President Joe Biden announced in
April he was officially calling an end to the national health emergency that
for more than three years had underpinned a series of extraordinary
government measures.

These included lavish funding for free Covid testing and vaccinations across
the country.