The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. elevated four more countries to the Level 3 risk category on July 11 due to the high prevalence of Covid-19 infections.
The Four destinations moved to Level 3, or “high” risk on Monday were:
- Bolivia
- Lebanon
- Peru
- Tunisia
Peru, known for its excellent gastronomy and spectacular Inca monuments in the Andes, was previously classified as a Level 2, “moderate” risk country. Last week, Bolivia, Lebanon and Tunisia were also classified as Level 2.
The United States has also placed Peru at Level 3 risk. Since July 11, the State Department’s individual warnings have primarily warned of the risk of crime.
Category 3, or “high,” is now the highest risk level and refers to areas with more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. Levels 2 and 1 are classified as “moderate” and “low” risk, respectively.
Since April, when the CDC removed the approximately 90 countries and territories from the list, there are no longer any countries in the Level 4 risk category.
Under the new classification system, a country is placed in the Level 4 risk category only if its health infrastructure breaks down or a new strain of concern emerges.
More countries on Level 3
With the summer travel season in full flow, much of Europe has been stuck at Level 3. Other European destinations that remain at Level 3 include:
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Ireland
- Italy
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- The Netherlands
- United Kingdom
These are not the only high-profile places that have fallen to Level 3. Other destinations classified as “high risk,” include:
- Brazil
- Canada
- Costa Rica
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Thailand
- Turkey
Before traveling to a Level 3 destination, the CDC recommends that you get your Covid-19 vaccinations up to date. Being “up to date” means that you have received all of your initial vaccines as well as any boosters for which you are eligible.