Traveling During COVID-19: Understanding CDC Level-4 Advisories

With the Omicron variant fueling new COVID-19 cases globally, the number of countries the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns travelers against visiting rises each week.

As of January 10, the CDC added Canada to a list that already includes popular vacation destinations such as Aruba, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Italy, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

However, the rate of new cases remains extremely high in the United States. In fact, the U.S. fits the CDC’s criteria for places where Americans should avoid travel.

In light of these factors, when the CDC adds a country to the Level-4 list, how should you interpret that warning? Should you reconsider your travel plans?

It is essential to evaluate your personal situation to guide your decision-making process. Here are some critical questions to consider:

What Does Level-4 Status Mean?

When the CDC issues advisories, it assesses the community spread of the virus in that specific country.

“COVID-19 Travel Health Notices reflect a destination’s risk assessment using the latest data reported to the World Health Organization and other official sources, along with public health recommendations,” a CDC spokesperson stated.

The methodology used by the CDC in determining the levels of transmission is straightforward. The CDC examines data from the World Health Organization and looks at the number of new cases reported per 100,000 individuals in the past 28 days. The categorization is as follows:

• Level-1 Low: Less than 50 cases per 100,000

• Level-2 Moderate: Between 50 and 99 cases per 100,000

• Level-3 High: Between 100 and 500 cases per 100,000

• Level-4 Very High (Do not travel): More than 500 cases per 100,000.

“We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and updates to Travel Health Notices will be based on these considerations,” the CDC representative said.

Dr. Brian Garibaldi, the director of the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Precision Medicine Center of Excellence, states that the Level-4 threshold signifies a significant amount of transmission.

“To put this in context, the U.S. currently reports about 1600 cases per 100,000. Technically, the U.S. itself meets the level for a travel advisory,” Garibaldi explained.

It is crucial to note that the CDC’s advisory does not account for other factors such as vaccination levels in that country.

Evaluate Your Personal Health Needs and Risk

Given the CDC’s methodology, how should you interpret that advisory when considering travel?

Dr. Garibaldi highlighted that the decision largely depends on your personal health situation. Here are three key areas to consider:

What is your personal health situation? Are you vaccinated and boosted?

Your personal risk factors, including whether you are at high risk for severe complications from the virus, should significantly influence your travel decisions. Garibaldi emphasized the importance of being vaccinated and boosted.

“If you plan to travel and are not vaccinated, the risk of infection is considerably high,” he advised.

Do You Have Flexibility if You Test Positive to Quarantine?

With the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test for reentry into the United States by commercial air, travelers must also consider the possibility of testing positive and needing to quarantine abroad.

“Currently, the asymptomatic test positivity rate is quite high. You could find yourself stuck at your destination, which carries financial, logistical, and familial implications,” Garibaldi cautioned.

What Is Your Access to Healthcare in That Country?

There is also the possibility of illness, whether from COVID-19 or another condition, that may require medical attention.

“While the U.S. health system faces its challenges, there are countries where accessing care might be difficult,” Dr. Garibaldi stated.

Evaluating healthcare access, as well as your comfort level when seeking medical help in an unfamiliar country, is essential.

Does Level-4 Status Affect My Travel Insurance?

After assessing personal health risks, consider the financial risks of traveling to a Level-4 country. Can you manage financial implications if quarantined or delayed? Even with travel insurance, be wary of potential exclusions related to pandemics.

Jeremy Murchland, president of Seven Corners, notes a rising trend in under-30 consumers purchasing travel insurance. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the terms of policies to ensure they meet your needs.

“Travelers should be aware of the restrictions and exclusions in their insurance policies,” Murchland said.

At the pandemic’s onset, many travelers were surprised to discover that their policies included exclusions for pandemics. In some countries, such as Canada, a high-level warning can void policies for traveling to deemed high-risk destinations. In the U.S., it varies based on your policy, necessitating a thorough review.

“Understanding the details of your policy is crucial, as some travel insurance providers still include pandemic-related restrictions,” Murchland added.

Additionally, confirm whether your policy covers expenses if you test positive for COVID-19 and require quarantine or medical assistance, often found within trip interruption and trip delay sections of coverage.

What Are the Restrictions in Place at Your Destination?

If a destination is on the CDC’s Level-4 list, it may indicate existing restrictions within that country. Observing your destination’s status can serve as a reminder to verify any lockdowns or curfews that may affect your trip.

Murchland also mentioned an uptick in travelers considering “cancel for any reason” provisions as well as “interruption for any reason” options to maintain flexibility if their destinations impose unexpected restrictions.

Furthermore, checking the availability of COVID-19 testing at your destination and whether appointments are required in advance can help ensure a smooth return to the United States.

Staying Safe if You Decide to Travel

If you choose to travel, Dr. Garibaldi advises ensuring you have a well-fitted mask and to keep it on in situations with a risk of virus exposure.

Additionally, the CDC recommends that travelers get tested for COVID-19 3–5 days after returning. It is essential to monitor for any COVID-19 symptoms. If symptomatic, isolate and get tested.
The CDC provides a list of COVID-19 testing locations on its website. They also distribute home antigen tests at specific airports, and the Biden administration plans to offer home test ordering via COVIDtests.gov.

For comprehensive information on COVID-19 and travel, visit the iBestTravel’s Health Hub.