CDC Issues Global COVID-19 Pandemic Notice

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 3 Travel Alert recommending Americans to avoid all nonessential international travel.

Announced on March 27, 2020, this CDC Travel Alert says widespread, ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is occurring globally.

Specifically, the CDC is warning older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at increased risk for COVID-19 disease, and should avoid traveling abroad.

This Alert enables the CDC and the US Department of State to synchronizes their messages regarding international travel.

On March 19, 2020, the State Department issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory, which recommended all citizens should arrange for an immediate return to the USA unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite length of time. 

Both the CDC and State Department have now stated that ‘during the COVID-19 pandemic you may be exposed to the virus while traveling. Therefore, all international travelers should stay home for 14-days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.’

The CDC says ‘illness with COVID-19 has ranged from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms of infection include fever, cough, and trouble breathing.’ 

‘This new coronavirus has caused severe disease and death in patients who developed pneumonia.’

‘Risk factors for severe illness are not yet clear, although older adults and people of any age with serious chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness.’

Regarding people who may become infected with the SARS-CoV- coronavirus, the CDC suggests ‘healthcare providers should obtain a detailed travel history for patients with fever or acute respiratory symptoms.’

The CDC says if you must travel abroad:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your 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.
• Avoid traveling if you are sick.
• Enroll in the STEP program to be contacted in case of an emergency.

Recently, US states have begun to implement their own travel advisories for states confronted with a coronavirus outbreak.

As an example, on March 26, 2020, Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order mandating a self-quarantine of 14 days for individuals traveling to Texas as their final destination, through any airport from the greater New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut area.

Coronavirus outbreak alert news published by Vax-Before-Travel.