The CDC slaps "do not travel" warning on 4 more countries as COVID-19 remains a threat to global travel
While we are seeing many signs of optimism regarding COVID-19 such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) relaxing mask-wearing guidance in the U.S., we are far from done with the pandemic.
The TSA for example continues to mandate that masks be worn in airports and on board airplanes. And the coronavirus remains a major concern globally, with the latest proof coming with the CDC adding four more countries to its "avoid travel" category.
The CDC's Level 4: Very High risk classification for COVID infections, its most severe travel warning, has ballooned to include more than half of the nations and territories on the planet. To be exact, there are 140 countries Americans are urged to not travel to at the moment.
The latest countries slapped with the Level 4 warning are:
- Bhutan
- Brunei
- Iran
- Malaysia
There is some cautious optimism to be gleaned from the CDC's weekly update. This is the fewest number of countries to be bumped up to the Level 4 category in a week this year. Since January 1st, dozens of nations and territories have been added to the list, primarily due to rising cases related to the omicron variant.
According to the official CDC website, Level 4 classification means travelers should "avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel."
Countries and territories get categorized as Level 4 when 500 or more new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people are detected over the past 28 days.
Related: CDC warns against travel to the Caribbean due to COVID-19 danger
The CDC has four levels of travel recommendations, beginning at "low" risk and rising to "moderate," "high" and finally its strongest warning, "very high." The ratings are designed to help Americans navigate travel during the pandemic, especially now during a time when case levels vary wildly from country to country. The public health agency continues to recommend all travelers be fully vaccinated before visiting any foreign destination.
With the latest updates, there are now more countries and territories at Level 4 than in all the other CDC categories combined.
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app