CDC Adds Aruba to Level 4 Travel Advisory List

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday added Aruba to its Level 4: Very High COVID-19 travel list.

The CDC made the move, the first advisory upgrade of 2022, because of an increase in COVID-19 risk in the destination (all Level 4 countries have more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days). 

According to Visit Aruba, between Dec. 26 and Jan. 1, 2022, active cases increased to 3058 with 3334 new cases, though no COVID-related deaths were registered during the same period. 

“Avoid travel to Aruba. If you must travel to Aruba, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel,” the CDC warning reads. “Because of the current situation in Aruba, even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19.” 

With the news, Aruba joins Sweden, which was added to the Level 4 list one week ago, along with Spain, which was added two weeks ago. 

While the CDC’s list is simply a recommendation for American travelers, moving those countries 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.

For those who are unvaccinated, the CDC is recommending travelers get tested with a viral test 1-3 days prior to the trip, wear and mask while traveling, avoid crowded, and then get tested again 3-5 days after travel and stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.