CDC Adds Another Four Destinations to Level 4 List

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added another four destinations to its Level 4 COVID-19 warning list, the highest level for the CDC.

The additions include Malaysia, along with Bhutan, Brunei, and Iran. Those join others on the list including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and more.

All destinations on the Level 4 list, which now totals close to 140, are there because of their COVID-19 rates (they have recorded more than 500 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days).

Almost half of all countries on the list now fall into that highest level. For comparison, the lowest two levels total 11 countries combined, lists that include New Zealand, China, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

While the CDC’s list is simply a recommendation for American travelers, moving Mexico, which has been one of the most resilient tourist destinations during the pandemic, to Level 4 raises the level of precautions that the CDC wants travelers to take.

For instance, the CDC is advising travelers who are considering entering Level 4 countries to be fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized by the WHO and to wear a facemask while traveling, social distance during their trip, and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

If symptoms appear, the CDC is advising travelers to isolate and get tested.

Last month, TMR’s Paul Ruden wrote on How Travel Advisors Can Approach these warnings, including recent warnings on Canada and on Cruise Ship Travel.