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Register Now for MCAA’s 2022 Safety Directors’ Conference

MCAA is ‘ALL IN’ for our 19th annual Safety Directors’ Conference at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, January 18-20, 2022. This conference brings together hundreds of occupational safety and health professionals, MCAA local affiliate executives, United Association safety instructors, principals, owners, and others who have safety and health responsibility.

Additionally, this conference is open to our partners at NECA, TAUC, and SMACNA to attend and participate in. Over the three days you will hear from subject matter experts on safety, health, risk management, legal, and other topics. Also​, Captain Richard Phillips will be presenting on the Hijacking of the Maersk Alabama. ​We can’t wait to go ALL IN in 2022!

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Take a Look Back at MCAA’s 2021 GreatFutures Forum

Thank you to everyone who attended MCAA’s 2021 GreatFutures Forum. We enjoyed inspiring speakers, a bustling Job Fair, an outstanding tour of SLOAN park, a very insightful presentation about the Best Practices for MCAA’s Student Chapter Competition, and being together at last. You can relive the memories below!

We look forward to seeing all of you in San Diego March 13-17, 2022 for MCAA’s Annual Convention. Please reach out to Megan Walsh at mwalsh@mcaa.org with any questions!

If you have any questions about the Student Chapter Competition, you can find resources by clicking the button below.

Student Chapter Competition Resources

MSCA21 Brought Service Contractors Together

Thank you to everyone who attended MSCA21 … it was a resounding success! We enjoyed the beautiful casitas at the JW Marriott in Scottsdale, Arizona with views of Camelback and Mummy Mountains. We heard the inspiring life story of JR Martinez who kicked off our conference speaking about how his struggles and successes helped him  face adversity. Then Kevin Brown touched our hearts as he described the ways we can all be heroes. And to end our conference we learned how to continue to go together, with Shola Richards.

Awards

Dick Starr (Cleveland, OH) received the 2021 D.S. O’Brien Award of Excellence on October 14. This award was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who exhibit extraordinary dedication and outstanding commitment to our industry and to MSCA. Learn more.

Seven years ago, MSCA introduced the Everyday Hero Award, thanks to the inspiration of MSCA21 D.S. O’Brien Award winner Dick Starr.  The award was created to recognize an employee from one of our member companies who, in his or her own extraordinary way, quietly gives of their time and skills to benefit others while seeking no recognition or compensation. Learn more and meet this year’s heroes.

Education & Social Activities

We had outstanding educational sessions and roundtable discussions each day. And of course, there were plenty of social events to help us enjoy our time together. The fan favorite activity of the week was goat yoga, with special appearances by two friendly alpacas! It was a workout that was worth the sweat!

Barb Dolim Recognized for 39 Years of Service

After 39 years, Barb Dolim will soon be retiring from her role as Executive Director of MSCA. Her work and achievements were celebrated at the Saturday morning session on October 16 with heartfelt remarks from MSCA Chair Mike Star, MCAA CEO Tim Brink, MSCA Past Chair Woody Woodall, the current MSCA Board of Managers and many Past Chairs. Congratulations, Barb! Learn more about the festivities and join us in wishing Barb well in the next phase of her life.

MSCA Welcomes Student Chapter Members

On Sunday MSCA was delighted to welcome student chapter members as the closing session of MSCA21 marked the start of the GreatFutures Forum. While navigating our COVID environment has made in person events a bit more challenging, adding the GreatFutures Forum to the end of MSCA gave students a chance to network and connect. It was a great way to bring students and service contractors together!

It’s A Wrap with the Mummy Mountain Bash

The conference ended with a wild night at Mummy Mountain with live music, delicious BBQ, and even a mechanical bull! It was a sweet end to a wonderful week of being Together At Last.

VIEW MSCA21 PHOTOS

Plan to Join the Fun Next Year

The next MSCA conference plans to be just as exciting, so mark your calendar for October 16 – 19, 2022 in beautiful Huntington Beach, CA. Details will be announced on mcaa.org and in the weekly National Update as we get closer to the meeting date.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Jobsite Safety Inspection Checklist

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s Jobsite Safety Inspection Checklist. This checklist can be easily customized to help keep you organized and on track when you perform safety inspections.

Topics covered by the basic checklist include:

  • Ladders & Stairways
  • General Fall Protection
  • Scaffolds
  • Excavations/Trenches
  • Electrical
  • Personal Protective Equipment
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For additional safety-related resources, including training videos and materials, visit the Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page.

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Raffi Elchemmas.

Pre-Recorded Webinar: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements on Direct Federal Agency Prime Contracts and Subcontracts

The MCAA along with Lori Ann Lange and Lauren Rayner Davis of Peckar & Abramson, P.C. present a webinar on the recent federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The mandate requires covered government contractor and subcontractor employees working on or in connection with a federal government contract or subcontract over $250,000 to be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021. The webinar addresses key issues regarding the applicability of the vaccine mandate and what contractors and subcontractors need to do to comply.

Topics include: 

  • Applicability of the vaccine mandate to new and existing contracts and subcontracts
  • Which employees are covered
  • Medical and religious exemptions and accommodations
  • Best practices for dealing with government modifications adding the vaccine clauses
  • Collective bargaining and labor issues concerning requiring employees to be vaccinated
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FAQs

This webinar was recorded on November 10, 2021.

Meet the Speakers:

Lori Ann Lange is a partner and co-chair of Peckar & Abramson’s Government Contracting & Infrastructure Practice, leading the firm’s federal government contracting efforts. She specializes in government contract law, bid protests, and corporate compliance counseling. She represents a range of government contractors, including construction contractors, major defense contractors, informational technology contractors, and service contractors.

Lauren Rayner Davis is an associate in Peckar & Abramson’s Labor and Employment Practice. She represents employers on a wide range of labor and employment issues such as labor contract administration, collective bargaining agreement negotiations, unfair labor practices, discrimination, harassment, terminations, layoffs, reasonable accommodations, investigations, application of state and federal family and medical leave acts, interpretation of wage and hour laws, defense of Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and Directors & Officers (D&O) claims, and provides day-to-day advice on related legal issues.

Details about this executive order are available on MCAA’s website.

Note:

Questions have been raised about MCAA’s role in lobbying and litigation challenging the OSHA ETS.  MCAA is actively involved in commenting on the proposal both before and after the initial issuance of the ETS and will continue to do so as the regulatory process moves on.  Regulatory and judicial developments are much more likely to affect the course of these mandates than any potential Federal legislation – the chances of breaking a partisan political deadlock on this issue is not feasible, in the short term. MCAA is tracking all developments and providing up-to-date information on them to the membership as a whole through webinars with Peckar & Abramson and the MCAA COVID 19 website.  As to litigation, MCAA has made the judgment to conserve its resources in this respect given the overall context of the industry challenges raised by the pandemic and the Administration’s response for individual and public health and continued robust economic recovery from the pandemic.  MCAA also is tracking and working with the United Association on these issues with respect to the proliferation of both public and private sector vaccination mandates that directly affect our members’ market interests.

Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

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SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
Looking to tune up your evaporative cooling knowledge? SPX Marley Contractor Resources include live and on-demand webinars, School of Cool® training, installation videos and more. Check it out.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

November 5 is the Last Day to Apply for National Committee Service in 2022

Member involvement from those serving on MCAA and MSCA national committees helps all of us run more successful businesses and strengthens our industry. MCAA/MSCA members who are willing to serve on a national committee in 2022 are encouraged to learn more and complete the application. Completed applications are due by November 5, 2021.

White House Lifts COVID-19 Travel Bans for Fully Vaccinated Travelers

On October 25, 2021, the White House revoked the prior COVID-19 travel restrictions and announced that as of November 8, 2021, international travelers traveling to the U.S. by air will be permitted to enter the U.S. if they:

  • Are fully vaccinated.
  • Can present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their entry into the United States.
  • Agree to comply with public health precautions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has published a list of vaccines that will be accepted as evidence of being fully vaccinated. (The list includes COVID-19 vaccines approved or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson / Janssen, as well as those listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization, such as AstraZeneca/Oxford).

To be clear, the announcement is still a modified travel ban (“Global Suspension and Limitation on Entry of Certain Individuals Who Are Not Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19”). A failure to meet the requirements or an exemption will result in an international traveler being denied entry into the United States. The new modified ban will remain in effect until terminated by the President.

Exemptions

Limited exemptions exist for some travelers. Of note:

  • Minors who, based on their age and global vaccine availability for their age group, are not able to be vaccinated.
  • Noncitizens who are from countries where vaccine availability is limited (defined as less than 10% of the country’s total population being fully vaccinated, or as determined by the CDC) who seek to enter the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, except for a B-1 or B-2 visa.
  • Certain participants of clinical trials.
  • Persons granted an exemption by the CDC due to humanitarian or emergency reasons.
  • Persons who qualify for a National Interest Exemption as determined by the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary of State, Secretary of Transportation, or their designees.

Additionally, international travelers who are not fully vaccinated but permitted to enter the United States based on an exemption must agree to become fully vaccinated within 60 days of arrival or in a timeframe determined by the CDC and must provide proof of arrangements for becoming fully vaccinated after arrival, with some exceptions (sufficiently brief stay, among others). 

This means that travelers from regions previously subject to U.S. COVID travel bans (Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area) will now be able to enter the United States directly from those countries, so long as they meet the requirements for being fully vaccinated and can present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their entry. This also means that minors, depending on their age, and travelers from countries with low vaccine availability (less than 10% full vaccination rate), may now be exempt from the travel bans.

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Senate Confirms New OSHA Head, Doug Parker

Earlier this week, the Senate confirmed Doug Parker to the lead the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Parker will be the first head of OSHA in almost 5 years. Prior to OSHA, Parker was the Chief at Cal/OSHA, where he administered their COVID-19 emergency temporary standards (ETS) for workplace safety. He is an outspoken advocate for workers’ rights. 

MCAA will continue to work closely with OSHA, and we look forward to working with the new assistant secretary. Under the new OSHA administration, we expect to see increased engagement with employers, which highlights the need for all of us to focus on our safety & health programs. This is a great time for members to learn about, and take advantage of MCAA’s safety and health resources, all of which are available to members for free as a benefit of membership.  

We’ve congratulated Doug Parker on his confirmation and wished him the best at OSHA.

For additional questions on MCAA’s Safety & Health resources please contact Raffi Elchemmas at raffi@mcaa.org

Find the Latest from Key2Act and Metraflex Company in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Key2Act
Key2Act is the construction and field service technology leader, focused on mechanical and non-mechanical specialty trades, facilities maintenance and other large asset or equipment-centric industries.

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Metraflex LPD-Y Strainer

Metraflex Company
Metraflex energy-saving LPD-Y-Strainer dramatically reduces pressure drops. ROI within 1 year. Larger screen with more holes. Re-engineered to reduce turbulence.

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Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

Visit Smart Solutions

Barb Dolim Recognized for 39 Years of Service

MCAA and MSCA gave a very special thanks to Barb Dolim for her service as MSCA’s Executive Director for more than 39 years. MSCA Chair Mike Star, the current members of the MSCA Board of Managers,  many of the past MSCA Chairs, MCAA President Armand Kilijian, and MCAA CEO Tim Brink were on hand to express their thanks and wish Barb well on her upcoming retirement. The celebration took place at MSCA21 in Scottsdale, AZ on October 14, 2021. 

MSCA Chair Mike Star said:

It has been my pleasure to get to know Barb, to serve as the MSCA Board of Managers Chair this past year and witness her commitment to the industry firsthand. Her extraordinary dedication, passion, and creativity has built the MSCA community we all enjoy today.

MCAA CEO Tim Brink spoke of the impact Barb has had during her time with MSCA, saying:

Barb has been with MCAA for over 39 years becoming executive director for MSCA in 1985. Over the years there have been many changes, from how we engage with MSCA members, changes in the industry itself, and even Barb’s evolving style, but one thing has remained completely consistent: her daily commitment to the Mechanical Service Contractors Association and her deep collaboration with the United Association in administering the National Service and Maintenance Agreement.

Barb has always led with vision—she played a key role in the development of the new marketing and membership initiative in 1990 that propelled MSCA to be the premier resource for the mechanical service industry. 

Barb recognized the need for focused and robust education and developed MSCA’s first-ever national education conference in 1985. In 2019, MSCA’s 34th Annual Education Conference at the Broadmoor Hotel was attended by a record 780 people. This year’s conference sold out in 10 days. This is what Barb built. 

As you can see, there are a lot of people here who appreciate what you have done, and who will miss your leadership, passion, and guidance. I think it’s remarkable that your time with us has been particularly defined by one key word: Service. Thank You

Barb Dolim also took the stage to thank all the MSCA members. She was presented with an award from MCAA for her remarkable service. She also received electric bikes for her and her husband Mike, a present from her Board of Managers and Past Chairs. Woody Woodall presented the gift for them while expressing how important and profound Barb’s time with MSCA has been.

While it was an emotional moment, all are excited for Barb to continue onto the next step in her life. Mike Star summed it up best by concluding the celebration with these words:

Barb, congratulations on your retirement, it was 39 years in the making…and you have truly earned it!

She really has earned a wonderful retirement in her new home state, Utah. She is joined by her husband, Mike, both her children and their spouses, and their four (and soon to be five!) grandchildren.

Procore Software Boosts Monterey Mechanical’s Productivity, Saving One Day Per Employee Per Week

By installing Procore software, Monterey Mechanical Co. was finally able to offer mobile information access to everyone on its team. The efficiencies gained work out to a savings of one day a week of work per employee. Monterey Mechanical credits Procore with helping them complete projects early, as in the case of a Brentwood, CA, water treatment plant, and under budget, as with a San Francisco wastewater treatment facility.

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Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Advanced Institute for Project Management: Registration Opens October 26

Registration opens this week for the MCAA’s top-level project management training program, the Advanced Institute for Project Management. Class 18 of this annual course will take place in Austin TX, January 31 – February 4, 2022. Intended for senior project managers, project executives, and operations officers, this five-day program will cover a host of topics appropriate to those who are managing multiple large projects, other project managers, a PM department, or the project-driven portion of company operations. Tuition for the course is $2,900. Registration is done online, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit the AIPM webpage where you can learn more about the program and access the registration link starting this Tuesday.

VDC Webinar Mini-Series: How to Successfully Make the Journey from CAD to Revit

As we approach the MEP Innovation Conference in January, MCAA is scheduling a mini-series of VDC webinars to help get the discussion going. Each of these sessions features a contractor’s case study as they have adapted their processes to compete in the age of digital construction.  

The CAD to BIM software evolution has brought tremendous benefits for MEP contractors – creating less re-work and better coordination. Many contractors want to reap those benefits however making that shift can be challenging. Often, the transition is the toughest part. Detailers must unlearn engrained AutoCAD processes. It takes time to get the efficiency gains touted by the software. During the implementation stage, processes often take longer before they eventually improve. In this first webinar with icon Mechanical’s Vice-President of Engineering, Tim Riedle, shares valuable insights and first-hand experience with that transition. 

In this webinar, Tim Riedle features a case study detailing icon’s progression to Revit using Trimble SysQue. Viewers will learn how to begin their journey to Revit and best practices to implement along the way.

Don’t forget to register now for the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference, powered by Trimble. This year, MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have teamed up, bringing you over 60 of the most innovative contractors to present January 24-26 live in Tampa, Florida at the Tampa Marriott Water Street.

More than 60 of Our Industry’s Best Contractors and Thought Leaders Will Present at the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference

MCAA has developed the most in-depth conference on construction technology and innovation to date. MCAA first launched the Technology Conference for MCAA members back in 2016 as a way to share knowledge and spark ideas and innovation through collaboration, demonstration and peer-to-peer instruction. The event has continued to grow year after year. In 2021, the conference was renamed and pushed further with the inclusion of NECA and SMACNA contractors providing a broader depth of experience. This year, MCAA, NECA and SMACNA have announced a joint partnership, bringing over 60 of the most innovative contractors to present January 24-26 at the 2022 MEP Innovation Conference, powered by Trimble.

Sessions at this year’s conference will be led by the country’s leading mechanical, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal and service contractors. The MEP Conference will provide a comprehensive view of the solutions digitizing our processes, using VDC software, fabricating all trades, coordinating projects with new software and using new tools to improve productivity. Sessions will be geared toward Operations Managers, VDC teams, Project Managers and Fabrication Managers.

Conference registration will be limited due to COVID restrictions. Registration will be open to MCAA/MSCA, NECA and SMACNA members as well as their union affiliated partners. For more information, visit the MEP Innovation Conference Website and register today!

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CLRC Releases September 2021 Settlements Report & Video

The Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC), a longstanding partner of MCAA, has released its September 2021 Settlements Report and associated video. The report provides timely information on current trends in union craft wage and fringe benefits increases in the construction industry. In addition to a general overview, the report provides various detailed data cuts, including by geographic region and specific craft. For additional information, contact Carey Peters, Executive Director, at 202-347-8440 or clrc@clrcconsulting.org.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Quality Assurance Manual

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s Quality Assurance Manual. This user-friendly, comprehensive guide will help you develop QA processes and documenting systems; it provides an easy way to evaluate your existing system.

Developed by an expert consultant, this step-by-step guide provides the elements of a QA system, which you can modify to suit your company’s needs and your customers’ requirements. Included: time- and expense-saving forms.

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Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Frank Wall.

MSCA Leadership Transitions at the MSCA21 Closing Session

MSCA recognized outgoing Board members, welcomed a new chair and introduced the members of the 2021 – 2022 MSCA Board of Managers during the MSCA21 Closing Session on October 17, 2021.

Outgoing Board Members Recognized

Bob Dill and Kane Armistead were recognized for their service on the MSCA Board of Managers and their commitment and dedication to MSCA and the industry.

MSCA Welcomes New Chair Mark Crockett

Mike Star concluded his year as Chair of the MSCA Board of Managers and introduced the new chair, Mark Crockett. Mark is Vice President and Owner of Crockett Facilities Services in Lanham, MD, a company he and his wife Cindy have owned since 1999.

Mark is a graduate of the Calhoun MEBA Merchant Marine Engineering School and holds a Masters Certificate in Government Contracting from George Washington University. He grew up in south Baltimore and currently resides in Key West, FL.

He and Cindy have two sons and one granddaughter with a grandson due next month. In his spare time you will find Mark boating, fly fishing, paddle boarding or mixing a mean cocktail.

Mark Crockett Recognizes Mike Star, Introduces Board of Managers Members

In his first duty as MSCA Chair, Mark Crockett presented Mike Star with a certificate to thank him for his commitment to MSCA and all the time and effort he has devoted to the association over the years. He then introduced the 2021-22 MSCA Board of Managers members who work tirelessly to provide MSCA members with resources and educational programming to help grow their companies and prepare them for future success.

They are:

Rich Happel, Vice Chair
UMC
Mukilteo, WA

Renee Fiorelli, Treasurer
Peterson Service Company Inc.
Medford, NJ

Mike Star, Past Chair
Lane Associates
Island Park, NY

David Geith
Emcor Services/MESA Energy
Irvine, CA

Drew Harrison
Harrison Energy Partners
Little Rock, AR

Mike McHenry
Enginuity LLC
Mechanicsburg, PA

Michael Rosone
Arista Air Conditioning
Long Island City, NY

Adam Wallenstein
Neptune Plumbing and Heating
Cleveland, OH

He thanked everyone for their continued support and for the time they invest in MSCA, saying, “It is through our collective strengths and expertise that we will all continue to grow and prosper.”

U.S. to Lift COVID-19 Travel Ban to Allow Fully Vaccinated Travelers

On October 15, 2021, the White House announced that as of November 8, 2021, the COVID-19 travel restrictions for international travelers coming into the United States will be lifted for those who:

  • Are fully vaccinated.
  • Can present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their entry into the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a list of vaccines that will be accepted as evidence of being fully vaccinated. In short, the list of approved vaccines includes COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved or authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration:

  • Pfizer-BioNTech
  • Moderna
  • Johnson & Johnson / Janssen COVID-19 vaccines

The CDC has indicated that the guidance also applies to COVID-19 vaccines that have been listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization, such as AstraZeneca/Oxford. The CDC considers individuals to be fully vaccinated either two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

COVID-19 testing requirements will remain in place for all airline travelers entering the United States, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people. Travelers are required to present evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result from no more than three days before their entry into the United States or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past three months before being permitted to board a flight to the United States. (For more information, see International Travel During COVID-19.)

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the department will ease restrictions on entry into the United States for fully vaccinated travelers from Canada and Mexico in early November. The United States had imposed entry restrictions on border crossings with Canada and Mexico to limit nonessential travel since the start of the pandemic. The restrictions have been extended monthly. According to DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the new rules will be implemented in phases, starting on November 8, 2021, to allow fully vaccinated travelers to cross the border for nonessential reasons, while unvaccinated travelers will only be allowed to enter for essential reasons. By early January 2022, DHS will require evidence of being fully vaccinated for travelers to cross the border into the United States for any reason. 

This most recent update means that travelers from regions previously subject to U.S. COVID travel bans (Brazil, China, India, Iran, Ireland, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Schengen Area) will now be able to enter the U.S. directly from those countries, so long as they meet the requirements for being fully vaccinated and have evidence of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of their entry into the United States. Land border crossings will now be easier for fully vaccinated travelers. 

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