WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is taking the first steps toward requiring nearly all foreign visitors to the U.S. to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, a White House official said Wednesday.

       The requirement would come as part of the administration’s phased approach to easing travel restrictions for foreign citizens to the country. No timeline has yet been determined, as interagency working groups study how and when to safely move toward resuming normal travel. Eventually all foreign citizens entering the country, with some limited exceptions, are expected to need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the U.S.

       The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the policy under development.

       The Biden administration has kept in place travel restrictions that have severely curtailed international trips to the U.S., citing the spread of the delta variant of the virus. Under the rules, non-U.S. residents who have been to China, the European Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa and India in the prior 14 days are prohibited from entering the U.S.

       All travelers to the U.S., regardless of vaccination status, are required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of air travel to the country.

       The Biden administration has faced pressure to lift some restrictions from affected allies, the air travel industry and families who have been kept separated from loved ones by the rules. Many have complained that the travel restrictions don’t reflect the current virus situation — particularly as caseloads in the U.S. are worse than in many of the prohibited nations.

       If you went to Lollapalooza, get a COVID-19 test this week, Champaign-Urbana health department asks local residents

       2h

       US plans to require all foreign travelers to be vaccinated for the coronavirus

       5h

       Chicago Cubs After Anthony Rizzo sounds off on the ‘bad breakup’ between the Chicago Cubs and the ‘Big 3,’ Jed Hoyer says he regrets comment about making fair contract offers

       Aug 3, 2021

       Coronavirus Less than 2 months after lifting most COVID-19 orders, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues mask mandate for schools and vaccine requirement for some state workers

       2:51 PM

       What to watch My worst moment: Mena Suvari and the magazine photo shoot that captured more than she was comfortable with

       Aug 3, 2021