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   The prospect of a resumption of transatlantic air traffic between the US and   
   Europe appears to have been boosted by comments from US President Joe Biden.   
   He promised during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in the White   
   House that more information will soon become available about the possible   
   lifting of the international travel ban.   
       
   "I can say more in the coming days," Biden reported. The ban on non-essential   
   travel to the US is now a year and a half old. Studies by the US Department of   
   Defense, the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University have independently shown that   
   air travel is safe, provided proper precautions are taken," US media writes.   
       
   In Europe, restrictions on American travelers were already relaxed last month.   
   However, the US continued to adhere to the strict travel restrictions imposed   
   under former President Donald Trump. Officials have said the spread of the   
   Delta variant has held back the country's reopening to Europe, CNN reported.   
       
   Merkel confirms she received assurances from Biden during their meeting that   
   he was investigating the matter.   
       
   "Before making such a decision, it should be carefully considered," Merkel   
   said. "It is not wise to have to reverse the decision after just a few days.   
   Every day of outdated travel restrictions inflicts economic damage on our   
   nation, not to mention the personal toll that is exacted on people when their   
   family and loved ones are separated.   
       
   The US travel industry has urged the Biden administration, in line with the   
   latest science, to swiftly review its entry policy for international travel.    
      
   --- DB4 - Jul 12 2021   
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