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US Restricts Travel From Brazil

The ban on foreign nationals coming into the US comes as the South American nation becomes a COVID-19 hotspot

The Trump administration has announced restrictions on foreign nationals entering the US from Brazil as the South American nation battles a rapidly rising fatality rate from COVID-19.

Brazil has more than 360,000 cases, the second-highest in the world, and over 22,000 deaths. The administration move came as the number of daily coronavirus deaths in Brazil has surpassed the United States.

The restrictions apply to any foreign nationals who have been in Brazil 14 days prior to entry into the United States. The ban exempts permanent residents and spouses or children of US citizens, who may still reenter by going through enhanced medical screenings at specially designated airports.

“By adding Brazil to the list of travel-restricted nations based on a careful and thorough analysis of data, we are proactively mitigating another risk factor to our communities,” said Chad F. Wolf, acting secretary of Homeland Security, in a statement.

The US says it is watching data from other South American countries to determine whether it will add to the list of restrictions on travel from that region. The Brazil travel ban come on the heels of an announcement by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson that beginning June 8, travelers entering the UK will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.