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The number of COVID-19 infections is growing once again on a global scale. Accordingly, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the list of countries at high risk of coronavirus infection. The third category, i.e. high risk category, included over 115 countries. These include numerous places that are popular among tourists.
- CDC reports significant increases in COVID-19 infections in Europe
- Tourists should pay attention to which popular holiday destinations are classified as high-risk countries
- When traveling to countries with a high risk of infection, follow the safety precautions
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported last week about the increase in COVID-19 cases, stressing that up to half of the cases have been reported in Europe. The new sub-variants of the Omicron – BA.4 and BA.5 are responsible for the increase in the number of infections. Especially fast is the Omikron BA.5, which is more contagious than its predecessors. However, it does not cause more severe symptoms and has not contributed to any higher patient mortality so far.
What tourist destinations should you be careful about?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide a list of countries with the highest epidemic threat. The countries included in the list are divided into four categories, the most serious of which is the fourth level – in this case, it is recommended to avoid traveling to a given place. At the moment, there are no countries classified in this category, however, there are more and more countries in the third category, which testifies to a “high” risk of COVID-19 infection. Such a classification becomes justified when there are over 100 infections per 100. residents within 28 days of the previous update of the list.
It is the holiday season, and more than 115 countries belong to the third coronavirus risk category. Many of them are popular tourist destinations, such as:
- Greece;
- Turkey;
- Bulgaria;
- Croatia;
- Italy.
There is also a high risk of infection in Great Britain, Germany, France, Albania, Thailand, Brazil and Mexico. After the CDC list was updated on July 18, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Colombia, Paraguay, Iraq and Suriname also joined the list. A particularly big jump was observed in Kosovo, which moved from a low-risk country (first category) to the third category.
Before departing to countries where there is a high risk of coronavirus infection, the CDC recommends tourists to ensure that they have a valid vaccination or convalescent status. It is also important when a country does not require travelers to have a covid passport.
Check: Does your vaccine still protect you against COVID-19?
What is the situation in Poland?
At the moment, Poland is classified as a country with a moderate risk of coronavirus infection (second category). This means that within 28 days of the last update of the CDC list, we recorded between 50 and 100 cases of COVID-19 per 100. residents. The growth dynamics is clear – on Wednesday, July 20, almost 3 jobs were reported. infection. Compared to last Wednesday, this is a 73% jump.
If you suspect you have a coronavirus infection, come for a real-time RT-PCR respiratory swab test. You can also run a Quick Home Check up or SGTi-flex COVID-19 Ag Cassette Test, but keep in mind that antigen tests may be less able to detect the Omikron variant.
What else is the CDC list about?
The moderate risk of coronavirus infection is in Our Country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Ethiopia, Jordan and Fiji. When it comes to low-risk countries (less than 50 infections per 100 inhabitants), they include, inter alia, Moldova, Romania, Egypt, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
The CDC classification also takes into account a special category of countries where the current epidemic situation cannot be determined due to the lack of data. Currently, it concerns, among others Ukraine, Belarus, Hungary, Iran, Afghanistan and North Korea.
Minimize the risk of coronavirus infection, reach for disinfection products such as Smedical hand sanitizer gel or melon scented antibacterial hand sanitizer. Also order the reusable Loffme protective mask or the Nexodis Hygenic medical masks (50 pieces).