Marnie Hunter and Forrest Brown, CNN
For the second consecutive week, no locations had been added to the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s “excessive” threat class for journey. Just a few 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 commonly up to date journey notices.
The British Abroad Territory of Montserrat within the Caribbean dropped into Stage 2, or “average” 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 expertise.
Greater than half of the locations monitored by the CDC are nonetheless listed within the Stage 3, “excessive” threat class..
Stage 3 grew to become the highest rung by way of threat degree in April after the CDC overhauled its scores system for assessing Covid-19 threat for vacationers.
The designation applies to locations which have had greater than 100 circumstances per 100,000 residents previously 28 days.
Locations carrying the “Stage 2: Covid-19 Reasonable” designation reported 50 to 100 Covid-19 circumstances per 100,000 residents previously 28 days.
To be listed as “Stage 1: Covid-19 Low,” a vacation spot will need to have had 49 or fewer new circumstances per 100,000 residents over the previous 28 days.
Stage 4, beforehand the very 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 up to now.
You’ll be able to view the CDC’s threat ranges for any international vacation spot on the company’s journey suggestions web page.
A medical professional weighs in on threat ranges
The CDC advises vacationers to stand up so far with Covid-19 vaccines earlier than touring internationally. Being “updated” means you could have had not solely the total preliminary vaccinations however any boosters for which you’re eligible.
We’re in “a section within the pandemic the place individuals must make their very own choices based mostly on their medical circumstances in addition to their threat tolerance relating to contracting Covid-19,” in line with CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen.
Vaccination is probably the most important 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 shielded from changing into severely sick,” she mentioned.
Take into account what you’ll do if you find yourself testing optimistic away from dwelling, Wen suggested.
“Do you could 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 checks and bringing them with you in your journey.
Whereas US-bound vacationers not should current a adverse Covid-19 check to get dwelling 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 individuals have signs or publicity whereas touring, they should get examined, and in the event that they check optimistic, to observe CDC’s isolation tips,” Wen informed CNN Journey.
When you’re involved a couple of travel-specific well being scenario not associated to Covid-19, examine right here.
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High picture: Lionesses with cubs stroll collectively close to sundown on the Masai Mara in Kenya. (Vicki Jauron/Babylon and Past/Second RF/Getty Photographs)