US Issues Level-4 Travel Advisory Advising Against Travel To India, Suggests Citizens Who Wish To Depart To Do So
New Delhi, April 29 (TNA) The US Government has asked its citizens not to visit India in wake of the huge surge in COVID cases in the country and also because "access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases".
A health alert sounded by the Biden administration also says that "US citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now."
Direct flights between India and the United States are offered daily, with additional flight options available to U.S. citizens via transfers in Paris and Frankfurt, the advisory informed.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and the Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory advising against all travel to India. The current Level 4 Travel Advisory is the highest level issued by the Department of State and advises U.S. citizens not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so due to the current health situation in country.
"We urge U.S. citizens to enroll in STEP at step.state.gov in order to receive critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in India" an official said. New cases and deaths from COVID-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels. COVID-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations.
Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related patients. U.S. citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space. Some states have enacted curfews and other restrictions that limit movement and the operation of non-essential businesses.