State Department travel alerts upped for COVID

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Travelers researching worldwide journeys throughout the coronavirus pandemic have been confronted with conflicting authorities recommendation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has one system of score the dangers by nation, the U.S. State Department another, producing totally different travel alert ranges for the identical nation in lots of circumstances. Mexico, a popular vacation spot with American vacationers this year, is deemed a level 4 by the CDC – that means keep away from all travel – however a level 3 by the State Department – that means “rethink travel.” The Bahamas was simply raised to a level 4 by the CDC and is a level 3 on the State Department scale.

The State Department is about to clear up some of that confusion, and the news is not good for travelers pondering a trip abroad.

The State Department on Monday said it is raising the alert level for a significant number of countries this week as it factors the CDC’s COVID data more heavily into its rating system.

“As vacationers face ongoing dangers as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State will start updating its travel advisories this week to higher mirror the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s science-based Travel Health Notices that define present points affecting vacationers’ well being,” the division mentioned in an announcement. “Our advisories also take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for U.S. citizens.”

The agency said approximately 80% of countries will now carry the “Do not travel” label, a stage 4.

Today, simply 34 of 209 international locations, or about 16% are rated a stage 4. Nearly 150 international locations, or about 70%, fall into stage 3.

The State Department mentioned the pandemic continues to pose “unprecedented risks” to travelers.

“In mild of these dangers, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. residents rethink all travel overseas.”

The elevated alert stage comes because the variety of vaccinated Americans is increasing and COVID restrictions are being lifted in lots of states and in some international locations. Iceland, Croatia, Greece and Israel are among the many international locations welcoming or about to welcome vaccinated Americans.

Have vaccine, will travel: United adds flights to Europe

In early April, the CDC mentioned absolutely vaccinated Americans can resume domestic and international travel at low risk to themselves. But it famous that worldwide travel poses further dangers given the unfold of latest COVID-19 variants.

Despite the brand new steering for vaccinated vacationers, the CDC says folks ought to keep house.

“CDC is not recommending travel at this time due to the number of rising cases,” director Rochelle Walensky said at a White House briefing in early April.

Millions of Americans are ignoring the recommendation, with travel rising steadily this spring, based on Transportation Security Administration screening numbers and optimism about bookings from airline executives.

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