Effect of Predeparture Testing on Postarrival SARS-CoV-2–Positive Test Results Among International Travelers — CDC Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance Program, Four U.S. Airports

Effect of Predeparture Testing on Postarrival SARS-CoV-2–Positive Test Results Among International Travelers

CDC Traveler-Based Genomic Surveillance Program, Four U.S. Airports, March–September 2022

Stephen M. Bart, PhD; Teresa C. Smith, MPH; Sarah Anne J. Guagliardo, PhD; Allison Taylor Walker, PhD; Benjamin H. Rome, MBA; Siyao Lisa Li; Thomas W. S. Aichele, MBA; Rob Stein; Ezra T. Ernst; Robert C. Morfino, MBA; Martin S. Cetron, MD; Cindy R. Friedman, MD. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:206–209.

During December 6, 2021–June 11, 2022, SARS-CoV-2 testing before departure or proof of recent COVID-19 recovery were required for passengers boarding U.S.-bound flights. CDC’s Traveler-based Genomic Surveillance Program collects postarrival nasal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing from volunteering international air travelers. Among 3,049 pooled (28,056 individual) samples collected during March 20–September 3, 2022, the predeparture testing requirement was associated with 52% lower postarrival SARS-CoV-2 positivity. We found that predeparture testing can reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk during or after travel by reducing the number of infectious travelers. These results can help guide decisions for future outbreaks.