CDC: U.S. Has Jumped To A Level 3 Travel Health Notice – Forbes

Isn’t it time for a travel ban here in the U.S.? Per the CDC’s own definition, Level 3 reflects a “global pandemic notice,” which means “avoid nonessential travel due to widespread ongoing transmission of COVID-19.”

At this level, the CDC’s key points include:

• CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential international travel.
• Older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for severe disease.
• There may be limited access to adequate medical care in affected areas.
• US residents may have difficulty returning to the United States.
• Travelers should avoid contact with sick people and wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• All international travelers should stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.

So far in the United States, New York City accounts for the vast majority of COVID-19 cases, but new hotspots are emerging in Chicago, Detroit and New Orleans.

Meanwhile, even as the Trump administration refuses to issue a nationwide travel ban, some governors are stepping up with their own restrictions for travelers arriving in their states. The governors of Hawaii, South Carolina and Massachusetts have mandated that all people coming from out of state must self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. The governors of Texas and Florida have issued similar orders, but only for those arriving from highly affected areas such as New York City or New Orleans.

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