Two New European Countries Move to CDC’s Highest COVID-19 Warning List

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday added two major European countries to its Level 4: COVID-19 Very High warning list, the highest level of advisory, due to rising infection rates in those countries.

Both Germany, which is currently experiencing a fourth wave of infections, and Denmark were added to the CDC’s Level 4 list on Monday. Each one qualifies because they have had more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days. 

The countries will now join other European nations, including Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and more, along with the United Kingdom, Costa Rica, and about 70 other countries on the CDC’s Level 4 list.

“Avoid travel to these destinations. If you must travel to these destinations, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel,” the CDC’s Level 4 warning reads.

While the CDC’s list is simply a recommendation for American travelers, moving those countries to Level 4 raises the level of precautions that the CDC wants travelers to take.

For instance, the CDC is advising travelers who are considering entering Level 4 countries to be fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized by the WHO and to wear a facemask while traveling, social distance during their trip, and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

If symptoms appear, the CDC is advising travelers to isolate and get tested.

While Germany and Denmark are getting upgrades from the CDC, a few Caribbean countries are going the other way.

Aruba, Curacao, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, all of which were at Level 4, have all been downgraded to Level 3: High, joining Jamaica, Italy, France, Mexico, and more.

The CDC’s Level 3: High warning still recommends travelers be vaccinated before their trips.

“Make sure you are fully vaccinated before traveling to these destinations. Unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to these destinations.”