Marnie Hunter and Forrest Brown, CNN
For the second consecutive week, no locations have been added to the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s “excessive” threat class for journey. A couple of locations moved down a threat degree, together with Kenya, which is now within the “low” threat class.
Kenya was beforehand listed at Stage 2, together with the West African nation of Togo, which additionally moved right down to the Stage 1, or “low” threat, class of the CDC’s frequently up to date journey notices.
The British Abroad Territory of Montserrat within the Caribbean dropped into Stage 2, or “reasonable” threat for Covid-19, from Stage 3.
One nation, Timor-Leste in southeast Asia, moved up one rung to Stage 2.
And one vacation spot, Dutch Sint Maarten within the Caribbean dropped into the “unknown” class from Stage 3. Locations transfer to that class when there’s a lack of understanding.
Greater than half of the locations monitored by the CDC are nonetheless listed within the Stage 3, “excessive” threat class..
Stage 3 turned the highest rung when it comes to threat degree in April after the CDC overhauled its rankings system for assessing Covid-19 threat for vacationers.
The designation applies to locations which have had greater than 100 instances per 100,000 residents up to now 28 days.
Locations carrying the “Stage 2: Covid-19 Average” designation reported 50 to 100 Covid-19 instances per 100,000 residents up to now 28 days.
To be listed as “Stage 1: Covid-19 Low,” a vacation spot will need to have had 49 or fewer new instances per 100,000 residents over the previous 28 days.
Stage 4, beforehand the best threat class, is now reserved just for particular circumstances, resembling extraordinarily excessive case counts, emergence of a brand new variant of concern or well being care infrastructure collapse. The CDC advises in opposition to touring to those locations. Below the brand new system, no locations have been positioned at Stage 4 to this point.
You may view the CDC’s threat ranges for any international vacation spot on the company’s journey suggestions web page.
A medical knowledgeable weighs in on threat ranges
The CDC advises vacationers to stand up thus far with Covid-19 vaccines earlier than touring internationally. Being “updated” means you may have had not solely the complete preliminary vaccinations however any boosters for which you’re eligible.
We’re in “a part within the pandemic the place folks have to make their very own selections primarily based on their medical circumstances in addition to their threat tolerance with regards to contracting Covid-19,” in line with CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen.
Vaccination is probably the most vital security issue for journey, mentioned Wen, who’s an emergency doctor and professor of well being coverage and administration on the George Washington College Milken Institute Faculty of Public Well being.
“Most people who find themselves up-to-date on their vaccines are extremely protected against turning into severely in poor health,” she mentioned.
Take into account what you’d do if you find yourself testing optimistic away from residence, Wen suggested.
“Do you may have entry to remedies resembling antiviral drugs or monoclonal antibodies? Ask your physician prematurely of your journey whether or not you might be eligible, then know the place to search out these remedies when touring overseas,” she mentioned.
Wen additionally advises packing further coronavirus assessments and bringing them with you in your journey.
Whereas US-bound vacationers not should current a damaging Covid-19 take a look at to get residence from worldwide locations, the CDC nonetheless advises testing earlier than boarding flights again to the States and never touring if you’re sick.
“After all, if folks have signs or publicity whereas touring, they should get examined, and in the event that they take a look at optimistic, to observe CDC’s isolation pointers,” Wen instructed CNN Journey.
Should you’re involved a couple of travel-specific well being scenario not associated to Covid-19, examine right here.
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Prime picture: Lionesses with cubs stroll collectively close to sundown on the Masai Mara in Kenya. (Vicki Jauron/Babylon and Past/Second RF/Getty Photographs)