Federal health officials on Monday classified 7 countries as having “very high” COVID-19 risk, warning U.S. travelers to avoid the destinations regardless of vaccination status.
“If you have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, talk with your clinician about your risk, and consider delaying travel to Mexico,” reads the official website.
The CDC also issued new travel warnings for six other countries, including New Caledonia, United Arab Emirates, Guyana, Mongolia, Namibia and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Currently, a total of 113 countries are on the CDC’s health advisory list for Level 3 Covid.
The CDC’s announcement coincides with the State Department’s latest update of travel advisories for U.S. citizens and residents, released Monday. The latest warning list now includes ten countries, including Mexico. Last month, the department issued seven travel warnings, which is more than the average.
The State Department has classified Mexico by area, and tourists have received different advisories depending on which Mexican state they are visiting.
Yucatan, a popular state, is now at Level 1. (Exercise normal precautions). Quintana Roo (where Cancun and Playa del Carmen are located), Baja California Sur, Oaxaca, and Mexico City are all at Level 2. (exercise increased caution when traveling). The complete list, as provided by the State Department, may be seen here.
In recent weeks, the number of covid cases has steadily increased throughout Mexico. The country has reported more than 3,500 cases this week, with about 10,000 tests performed, resulting in a 36.9% positivity rate.
In late April, Mexico declared the Covid pandemic an endemic situation. The traffic light system that had existed throughout the country for more than a year, ranking each region according to a color scheme (green, yellow, orange, red) based on covid cases, was abolished.