US plans to end COVID-19 screenings for arriving international airline passengers and won't require them to land at 15 designated airports

The US government is set to end enhanced screening of some international passengers for COVID-19 and drop requirements that travelers coming from the targeted countries arrive at 15 designated US airports, according to US and airline officials and a government document seen by Reuters.

The changes are set to take effect as early as Monday, according to the draft rollout plan seen by Reuters, but the move could still be delayed, US officials said.

The administration earlier this year imposed enhanced screening requirements on travelers who had been in China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Iran and the Schengen region of Europe, and barred most non-US citizens who have been in those locations from coming to the United States.

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A traveler is checked with a handheld thermometer near a test system of thermal imaging cameras which check body temperatures at Los Angeles International Airport amid the COVID-19 pandemic in June

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The Trump administration is set to end enhanced COVID-19 screenings for arriving international passengers at American airports. President Trump is seen above in the White House on Wednesday

The document seen by Reuters says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 'is shifting its strategy and prioritizing other public health measures to reduce the risk of travel-related disease transmission.' 

It said that of 675,000 passengers screened at the 15 airports, 'fewer than 15 have been identified as having COID-19.'

A spokesman for the CDC did not immediately comment.

The 'current entry strategy for international arrivals only covers a small portion of the traveling public, requires significant resources and is not sustainable as travel volumes increase,' document said.

The plan was reported earlier by Yahoo News.

The government is working to help jump-start the ailing international tourism sector, which has been battered by the coronavirus pandemic. 

Last month, American officials were said to be in talks with members of the British government about creating a potential 'transatlantic air bridge' which would allow air travel between New York City and London amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

A source said that the 'discussions are going on at a very senior level'. 

When approached for a comment, a spokesperson from the United Kingdom's Department for Transport did not deny the claims. 

DailyMail.com has contacted the Federal Aviation Authority and representatives from the New York state and city governments for a statement. 

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London calling! Last month, American officials are said to be in talks with members of the British government about creating a potential 'transatlantic air bridge' which would allow air travel between New York City and London amid the coronavirus pandemic

Under current rules, UK citizens are prohibited from vacationing in the United States under an order put into place by President Trump back in March. 

Meanwhile, US citizens are able to fly to the United Kingdom, but are required to isolate for 14 days or risk a $1,245 fine. 

A source told The Telegraph: 'There are discussions going on at a very senior level around opening up London and New York. They are at a very early stage but it is vital to get business going with a major trading partner especially as we near Brexit.'

Under the potential new rules, New York City residents would not be required to quarantine in London, and could immediately start sight-seeing. 

Likewise, residents arriving from London would likely be able to step off the plane and head out to explore the Big Apple. 

The move may anger some American citizens, given that US residents from 28 states currently have to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in New York City. 

It's believed the 'transatlantic air bridge' would only be for residents of New York City and London, as well as surrounding areas where COVID-19 transmission rates are low.