NEW DELHI :
Indicating “a low level of Covid-19″ in India, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday eased government travel ratings for India from Level 3 (high risk) to Level 1 (low risk).
It issued a “Level 1 Travel Health Notice” for India, putting the country at the lowest risk level due to the pandemic.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 1 Travel Health Notice due to Covid-19, indicating a low level of Covid-19 in the country.”
“Your risk of contracting Covid-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorised vaccine,” the US state department website said.
About India, the CDC site added:
“Make sure you are vaccinated and up-to-date with your Covid-19 vaccines before traveling to India. Even if you are up-to-date with your Covid-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19.”
“Anyone 2 years or older should properly wear a well fitting mask in indoor public spaces. Follow all requirements and recommendations in India.”
The CDC has five levels for Covid risk in different countries, ranging from a “very high” level 4 to “low” of level 1, followed only by a “level unknown” rating.
Travellers from India to the US are required to submit a negative report for Covid -19 test taken within 24 hours of the flight.
“Children under 2 years of age do not need to test. There is also an option for people who have documented recovery from Covid-19 in the past 90 days,” the CDC site read.
The travel industry is eagerly waiting when this low Covid risk assessment translates into lifting of the pre-departure testing requirement from India to the US.
