Negative Coronavirus Tests Required For London To Newark Flights

NEWARK, NJ — United Airlines now requires passengers traveling from London Heathrow Airport to select U.S. airports to obtain a negative coronavirus test within 72 hours of leaving the U.K.

Newark airport is included in the list, along with airports in Chicago, Washington D.C. and San Francisco.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy addressed the new restriction in a statement, discouraging non-essential travel and saying the precaution could help prevent further transmission of the virus.

“As we continue to experience a second wave of COVID-19 cases, it’s critical that we take any and all precautions to mitigate the potential for further transmission," Murphy said, in part. "While New Jersey continues to strongly discourage all non-essential travel at this time, if unavoidable, international travelers should adhere to CDC guidance for pre- and post-flight testing and the recommended self-quarantine period.”

In a news release, United Airlines said it will continue enforcing its mask mandate and requiring customers to complete a "Ready-to-Fly" checklist before boarding a flight.

“United has been a leader in enacting new policies and innovations designed to keep employees and passengers safer when traveling including mask mandates and requiring customers to complete a 'Ready-to-Fly' checklist before the flight acknowledging they have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days and do not have COVID-related symptoms,” the airline said in a statement.

The airline said the restriction applies to any passenger over the age of 5 traveling from London. Passengers with a connecting flight from another airport to London Heathrow will be exempt from the testing requirement.

Same-day, pre-flight rapid tests will be offered at the Collinson testing center in Terminal 2 of London Heathrow airort.

The restriction will take effect on Monday.