FAQ: US' Level 1 'Low Risk of COVID' Health Advisory for Travel to India
Meanwhile, as per the US State Department, India has been issued a level two notice for travel.
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The United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a 'Level One' COVID-19 advisory for US citizens travelling to India, indicating that the risk of catching and spreading the virus is significantly lower if one is fully vaccinated.
The CDC categorised Pakistan for level one travel too.
Meanwhile, as per the US State Department, India has been issued a level two notice for travel, citing crime and terrorism as the reason to exercise caution.
What does the 'Level One' COVID-19 advisory say?
The notice reads, "Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) authorised vaccine."
What are the CDC's different levels for "COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Destination"?
Level 4: COVID-19 Very High
Level 3: COVID-19 High
Level 2: COVID-19 Moderate
Level 1: COVID-19 Low
Level Unknown: COVID-19 Unknown
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why has the US State Department issued level two advisory for India?
The State Department says, "Indian authorities report rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, has occurred at tourist sites and in other locations."
The notice adds, "Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and government facilities."
What are the different types of threats highlighted by the notice?
The notice says that in Central and East India, "due to the fluid nature of the threat, all U.S. government travellers to states with Naxalite activity must receive special authorisation from the U.S. consulate responsible for the area to be visited."
Regarding Jammu and Kashmir, the State Department has said that "terrorist attacks and violent civil unrest are possible" and has therefore advised its citizens to "avoid all travel to this state (with the exception of visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh)."
In Northeastern states, US citizens are being warned about "incidents of violence by ethnic insurgent groups, including bombings of buses, trains, rail lines, and markets."
What are the four levels of travel advisories issues by the US?
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Level 4: Do Not Travel
(With inputs from PTI, CDC, and State Department.)
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