CDC Directs Airlines , to Hand Over Passenger Information , Amid Omicron Concerns.<br />'Newsweek' reports that all airlines operating in the <br />United States have been directed to share passenger information with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. .<br />The CDC reportedly requested information about anyone who <br />recently traveled to eight African countries that fall under the <br />travel ban issued by the Biden administration last week. .<br />The CDC reportedly requested information about anyone who <br />recently traveled to eight African countries that fall under the <br />travel ban issued by the Biden administration last week. .<br />The directive comes shortly after <br />the World Health Organization identified <br />the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that South African <br />health officials alerted the WHO on November 24 <br />of the emergence of the Omicron variant.<br />On November 26, Biden announced <br />a travel ban on anyone coming from:, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, <br />Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini and Botswana.<br />The travel ban went into effect <br />the morning of November 29.<br />According to 'Newsweek,' the information <br />requested by the CDC included names, <br />addresses and other information.<br />The directive applied to any flight containing at least <br />one passenger who visited any of the eight countries <br />covered by the travel ban within two weeks of boarding. .<br />'Newsweek' reports that on November 28, the CDC <br />expanded its enhanced biosurveillance program <br />of the Omicron variant to four U.S. airports. .<br />The program was implemented in September at <br />JFK International, Newark Liberty International <br />and San Francisco International Airports.
