New Delhi: As India’s health system trying to keep up with the surge in cases in Covid, the U.S. State Department has advised its citizens not to travel to or leave the country once it is safe as it has access to all Types of medical care guaranteed is severely restricted in the country.
The US has placed India at Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest level issued by the ministry.
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“India: Access to medical care is severely restricted due to COVID-19 cases. US citizens wishing to depart should now take advantage of the commercial options available. Daily direct flights to the US and flights via Paris and Frankfurt are available”, tweeted the State Department.
In a health alert, the US Embassy in New Delhi said: “Access to all types of medical care is being severely restricted in India due to the rise in Covid-19 cases.”
“We urge US citizens to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) at step.state.gov in order to receive important information from the embassy regarding health and safety in India,” it said.
American citizens were asked to visit the Indian Department of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest information on travel restrictions. “New cases and deaths from COVID-19 have risen sharply to record levels across India. COVID-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly restricted in many locations,” the mission said in a statement.
A record rise in one day of 3,79,257 COVID-19 infections and 3,645 deaths on Thursday caused India’s case number to climb to 1,83,76,524 and the death toll to 2,04,832.
“Hospitals report shortages of supplies, oxygen and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. US residents report that some cities have denied them hospital admission due to lack of space. Some states have.” Curfews and other restrictions that restrict the movement and operation of non-essential businesses, “it said.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said if you have to travel to India at all, you should get a full Covid-19 vaccination first and follow Covid’s safety protocols once you reach India. The health department advised citizens to reconsider international travel and consider logistical factors, including the availability of domestic testing and current travel restrictions for US residents.
