The CDC is warning travelers about visiting 5 countries because of the coronavirus. Here's the US government's guidance.
REUTERS/Remo Casilli
- The US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued travel notices for countries affected by the novel coronavirus.
- As of February 29, the coronavirus had killed at least 2,900 people and infected more than 86,000. The vast majority of cases and deaths are in China, but the virus has spread to 57 countries.
- The State Department has issued its most severe threat-level warning for China, South Korea, Italy and Iran, strongly recommending that US citizens avoid traveling to those countries.
- Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
The US State Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued a series of travel warnings for Americans because of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.
Cases have been reported in at least 58 countries, though about 92% are in China. Vice President Mike Pence announced new travel restrictions after the first coronavirus death on US soil was confirmed Saturday. The change tightens recommendations for Americans looking to travel to Italy and South Korea.
The CDC's guidelines range from Level 1: Practice usual precautions to Level 3: Avoid all nonessential travel.
The current CDC warnings are:
- China (Level 3)
- South Korea (Level 3)
- Italy (Level 3)
- Iran (Level 3)
- Japan (Level 2)
- Hong Kong (Level 1)
Here are travel precautions and guidelines the US government has issued for countries affected by the coronavirus.
The CDC has issued travel guidance for six countries and territories because of the coronavirus.
The CDC cautions that any travelers returning from one of those six countries who come down with a fever, cough, or shortness of breath should immediately seek medical help, call ahead before going to the doctor, avoid contact with others, and exercise increased sanitation.
The US State Department uses four levels of travel-warning guidance, from Level 1: Exercise normal precautions to Level 4: Do not travel.
Cases of the coronavirus have been reported in at least 58 countries.
REUTERS/KhamIf traveling to any areas where disease transmission is present, the CDC recommends that Americans:
- Avoid sick people
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands
- Wash your hands often
Here's a guide about how to protect yourself from the virus while traveling.
The CDC has issued an additional warning for four countries that are at risk of community spread: Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
REUTERS/Edgar SuThe agency explained: "Community spread means people have been infected with the virus, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. At this time, the extent of virus spread is not sustained or widespread enough to meet the criteria for a travel health notice."
Here are the details about the warnings for these countries:
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- An official leading South Korea's battle against COVID-19 says he's a member of a doomsday cult where a virus 'super-spreader' event occurred
- South Korea is bracing for a spike in coronavirus cases after a 'super-spreader' event occurred at a church 'cult'
- More than 780 Westerdam travelers trapped in Cambodia over coronavirus fears just tested negative for COVID-19 and can finally go home
SEE ALSO: The novel coronavirus has spread to 41 countries. Here's how to protect yourself while traveling.