By David Young-
Novak Djokovic has been given a new boost of participating at the U.S opens, following the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amendment of its coronavirus restrictions.
At present, foreigners who are not vaccinated are not allowed to enter the United States of America, and the White House appears to have resisted calls for them to relax their stringent restrictions which prohibits none vaccinated people from entering the country.
His statement came despite calls from the likes of tennis great John McEnroe, current player John Millman and politicians to allow the Serbian to compete in New York.
Djokovic himself had stated that he is “preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to US”.
News on Thursday about new guidelines relaxing rules on social distancing and quarantine with one of the key rules stating: “Unvaccinated people now have the same as vaccinated people” is music to his ears, but does not yet apply to travelling passengers.
A statement read: “This updated guidance is intended to apply to community settings. In the coming weeks, CDC will work to align stand-alone guidance documents, such as those for healthcare settings, congregate settings at higher risk of transmission, and travel, with today’s update.”
The CDC is yet to update its travel advice, but their website state that it is under view following the latest guidelines and a change could see Djokovic compete at the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows.
The Serbian missed the defence of his Australian Open title as well as the United States hard-court swing in March due to his unvaccinated status.
As welcome as a change would be for the talented tennis star, it would also indicate that the authorities change of the law for a celebrity suggests the restriction was not as essential as initially purported to be. Situations change in every country, and a number of other countries have relaxed their entry requirements in terms of vaccination status.
Conceivably, America would at some point relax theirs too, but it matters why they undertake such a relaxation, if it is to be believed that the public health was their original reason for the insistence of vaccination for unvaccinated people.
France has lifted the “vaccine pass” since March in all areas where it was previously required (cultural and leisure venues, commercial catering, professional trade shows, etc.). The COVID certificate is no longer required as of 1 August 2022.1 Aug 2022.
Australia has also relaxed its covid vaccination requirements, although masks are mandatory on inbound international flights. You must also meet the mask requirements of the airline or cruise vessel you travel with. To reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and influenza,
After competing at the French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic has been prevented from playing at this week’s Canadian Open and next week’s Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Ohio, due the stringent coronavirus regulations requiring vaccination.
The U.S open begin in 10 days time, and any relaxation of the travelling rules will need to happen before then in time for him to travel in. Even 24 hours notice for Djokavic, who would undoubtedly be in celebratory mood.