Do I have to test my two-year-old on COVID on arrival in the USA?

Question

My wife and I are fully vaccinated against COVID. Our two-year-old isn't. There is this obligatory US_Passenger Disclosure and Attestation Form to be filled out by travellers who are not US citizens nor permanent residents.

For our two-year-old we must select

B. NOT FULLY VACCINATED OR UNWILLING TO PROVIDE PROOF OF VACCINATION

(X) I attest that I am (or the person I am attesting on behalf of is) excepted from the requirement to present Proof of Being Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 based on one of the following (make one choice, as applicable):

(X) Child ages 2 through 17 years (complete D only, then sign the form to complete Attestation).

So the interesting part is section D:

I attest that I am (or the person I am attesting on behalf of is) excepted from the requirement to present Proof of Being Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 and made the following arrangements (must check all boxes in D and then sign Attestation).

[ ] To be tested with a COVID-19 viral test 3-5 days after arriving in the United States, unless I have (or the person has) documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days;

[ ] To self-isolate for a full 5 calendar days and properly wear a well-fitting mask any time I am (or this person is) around others during my (or this person’s) isolation period and for an additional 5 days after ending isolation,

• if the result of the post-arrival viral test is positive, or

• if I develop (or this person develops) COVID-19 symptoms.

Does this mean we must test our-two-year old for COVID on arrival and wait for the results in isolation? This would be horrible.

Answer 1

All unvaccinated international travelers to the United States must take a COVID test; it doesn't matter why they are unvaccinated. If the test comes back positive (or if the traveler develops COVID symptoms after arrival), then they must must self-isolate for 5 days. Self-isolation is done in response to a positive COVID test or COVID symptoms, not speculatively.

Some unvaccinated international travelers additionally need to quarantine on arrival (which basically means they need to self-isolate just in case they have COVID, rather in response to knowing they have COVID). This does not apply to your child.

Also note that, contrary to what you said in your question, the COVID test must be administered 3-5 days after arrival, not "on arrival".