US Issues Maximum Travel Alert Regarding India's COVID-19 Outbreak

The U.S. CDC issued a Level 4 Travel Alert for India on April 19, 2021, confirming a very high level of COVID-19 infections in India. The CDC says that even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants because of the current situation.

'If you must travel to India, get fully vaccinated before travel.'

Regarding international travel, the CDC says, 'if you are fully vaccinated, you do not have to get tested before leaving the USA unless your destination requires it. And you do not have to self-quarantine after you arrive in the USA.'

But, all air passengers coming to the USA, including U.S. citizens and fully vaccinated people, must have a negative COVID-19 test result in no more than 3 days before travel or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months before they board a flight to the USA, says the CDC.

The United States government previously committed additional medical aid to fight the spike in COVID-19 cases in India. And on April 26, 2021, the US government announced it would release 60 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to other countries over the next several months.

'The Biden administration's commitment to export raw materials for the Indian manufacturer of the Covishield vaccine is a welcome decision,' commented Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, speaking to PTI News. 'However, this is no time for symbolism, half-measures, or lip service. We must act now,' he asserted on April 26th.

The U.S. response comes after Britain, France and Germany pledged aid to India over the weekend, reported CNBC.