US warns against travel to Italy due to ‘very high’ Covid numbers

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Italy due to Covid-19, indicating a very high level of Covid-19 in the country.”

READ ALSO: What’s the latest news on the coronavirus situation in Italy?

It also stated that travellers to Italy should "exercise increased caution" due to terrorism activity, a warning which had already been in place.

Prior to Tuesday of this week, the State Department listed 34 of about 200 countries worldwide with the “Do Not Travel” warning, and has since increased the number to 150 countries based on the recommendations of the CDC.

https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/1384899604005720064

Almost all European countries were placed on the Level 4 list this week, including France, Spain, Germany and Switzerland.

The warning does not bar Americans from travel to these countries, however the Department of State warns that insurance policies may not be valid.

Most Americans already had been prevented from traveling to much of Europe because of Covid-19 restrictions. Washington has barred nearly all non-US citizens who have recently been in most of Europe, China, Brazil, Iran and South Africa.

READ ALSO: When will Americans be allowed to travel to Italy again?

Italy has banned non-essential travel for Americans, and makes only a small number of exceptions, including for people with EU residency and business travelers.

All travelers, including from the US, face quarantine and testing requirements once they arrive in Italy - except for those who arrive on special 'Covid-tested' US flights, who do not need to quarantine on arrival if they test negative.

The US on Tuesday also extended its travel ban on non-US citizens by 30 days. The restrictions have already been in place for 13 months.