Post-holiday declines in New York's coronavirus hospitalization and transmission rate have Gov. Andrew Cuomo talking about possibly easing some restrictions later this week. At the same time, the emergence of more contagious variants at home and abroad and limited vaccine supply are complicating the virus war.

Starting Tuesday, new CDC testing requirements take effect for all international travelers to the U.S. Citizens and foreign travelers alike must provide proof of a negative COVID test before departure. They can also provide proof they have had the virus and recovered. Those who don't comply should be stopped at the gate.

Also Tuesday, restrictions for non-U.S. travelers from Brazil, Ireland, the U.K. and 26 other European countries that had been set to expire by order of former President Donald Trump will continue, under President Joe Biden's executive order signed Monday. Biden also added South Africa to the list, while the U.S. detected its first case of the Brazilian variant in Minnesota.