US issues ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for SVG

The United States Department of State has issued a ‘Do Not Travel’ advisory for several countries worldwide including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Department of State updated its Travel Advisories to align with the travel health notices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as travelers face ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The advisory, goes into effect this week, strongly recommends that US citizens “reconsider all travel abroad and postpone their trips if possible.”

“…Given current global conditions and following the Travel Advisory update, approximately 80% of countries worldwide will have a Travel Advisory Level of 4: Do Not Travel, including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines,” a release from the US Embassy in Barbados said.

“We recognize the incredible efforts of the national public health systems.  This update does not imply a reassessment of the current health situation in a given country. It reflects an adjustment in the State Department’s Travel Advisory system to give more weight to the CDC’s existing assessments. Travel Advisory levels take into account several factors that present risks to US citizens, including public health indicators, access to medical care, entry and exit requirements, and the ability of the US government to assist in an emergency. We also consider the mitigation strategies countries have put in place, including COVID-19 related restrictions on entry by US and other foreign nationals,” the release said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic poses unprecedented risks for travelers. The CDC has been consistent with that message since the start of the pandemic, and the Department’s updated Travel Advisories reflect that warning. We will routinely review conditions across the world and will update Travel Advisories when appropriate. For the latest Travel Advisory Levels, please visit the U.S. State Department website at travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html.

“We will continue to work with our Caribbean partners to defeat this virus through prevention and vaccination and advance our strong economic relationship,” the release from the US Embassy in Barbados said.