CDC adds "do not travel" warnings for 15 countries including more popular Caribbean destinations
With cases of omicron still surging, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning Americans not to travel to 15 additional countries, which include Jamaica, St. Barthelemy (St. Barts), St. Martin and Guadeloupe, all popular Caribbean destinations frequented by cruise ship passengers and resort-goers.
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In its most recent list of Level Four: “Very High” risk destinations for contracting COVID-19, the CDC last week added:
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Dominican Republic
- Fiji
- Guadeloupe
- Jamaica
- Kuwait
- Mongolia
- Niger
- Peru
- Romania
- Saint Barthelemy
- Sint Maarten
- United Arab Emirates
Related: When will international travel return? A country-by-country guide to coronavirus recovery
The CDC warned of travel to 22 countries and territories the week before this warning, which included the Bahamas and much of the Caribbean, as well as Israel, Australia, Panama, Bolivia, Qatar and Bermuda. These new additions bring the agency’s list of destinations to avoid to more than 100 including European destinations such as the U.K., Italy and Spain.
The CDC issues its highest Level Four warnings when the number of COVID-19 cases reaches a threshold of more than 500 cases per 100,000 people in a 28-day period. Different criteria is used for places with fewer than 100,000 people.
With this warning, the CDC is indicating that even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19.
If you do travel, the CDC says to make sure you are fully vaccinated and follow all requirements set by airlines and your destination, such as mask wearing, proof of vaccination, testing or quarantine.
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4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees