US issues recommendation against travel to Japan

As the rate of Covid infections goes up, The State Department has advised its citizens not to travel in the area, in a report issued earlier this week.

The "Do not travel" advisory is considered to be the highest of four levels. Until this last warning, Japan was previously included at "Reconsider travel" category, which is at level 3. The last level 4 advisory for Japan was issued in June 2021.

The decision was taken after the CDC reviewed the Covid-19 related situation in the Japanese archipelago.

Moreover, the CDC added that if travel cannot be avoided, tourists should get all three coronavirus vaccines in advance of their trips.

Japan, Israel, Cuba, Armenia, Libya, Oman and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were also added to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s list at the highest category of risk, level 4.

“Avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel”, the CDC warning quotes.

In addition people should be wearing N95, KN95 or KF94 quality masks when indoors, with no exceptions, regardless vaccination status.

Countries are considered to be level 4 risk when reports go as high as 500 new Covid-19 cases per 100.000 people in the last 28 days. More than 130 countries are included in the CDC travel recommendation reports, at various risk levels.

source: nhk.or.jp, usatoday.com