US lowers Covid-19 travel risk advisory for Pakistan, India

Published
4
This 2013 file photo shows a plane passing in front of the sun. — Reuters/File
This 2013 file photo shows a plane passing in front of the sun. — Reuters/File

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered its Covid-19 travel risk advisory to “Level One: Low” for Pakistan, India, Japan, Liberia, Gambia and Mozambique after a drop in coronavirus infections in the six countries.

In August this year, the CDC had issued a "Level 2 Travel Health Notice" for Pakistan, indicating a moderate level of Covid-19 in the country.

Pakistan had recorded its all-time lowest Covid-19 positivity ratio on Saturday at 0.78 per cent and saw a considerable drop in the number of cases, last witnessed in August 2020.

The last time the country had reported cases below 231 was 14 months ago when 213 people got infected on Aug 30, 2020. Similarly, the positivity rate on Saturday was the lowest ever recorded since the relevant authorities started measuring infection rates in March last year.

On Tuesday, Pakistan recorded less than 300 coronavirus cases for the fourth day in a row, reporting 216 infections during the last 24 hours. The positivity ratio dropped even further to 0.63pc today.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre, 33,435 tests were conducted during this period. The total number of cases in the country has risen to 1,280,092. Meanwhile, the death toll stands at 28,618.

The CDC, in its latest advisory, also advised against travel to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Iceland because of a rising number of Covid-19 cases in those countries.

It raised its travel recommendation to “Level Four: Very High” for the three countries, telling Americans they should avoid travel there.

Opinion

Editorial

Reviewing ties
Updated 06 Nov, 2026

Reviewing ties

With the Democrats clawing back power in Congress, changes in America’s approach to global engagement are likely to occur.
Genuine engagement
06 Nov, 2026

Genuine engagement

THE PTI-led opposition alliance TTAP appears to have finally brought an initially reluctant Maulana Fazlur Rahman on...
Human bondage
06 Nov, 2026

Human bondage

BONDED labour is modern-day slavery. It exists in Pakistan as a system of generational exploitation sustained by...
Blue wave
Updated 05 Nov, 2026

Blue wave

While Trump does not usually learn from his errors, perhaps seeing the response of the American voters he may attempt a wiser course.
New LPG policy
Updated 05 Nov, 2026

New LPG policy

If the policy is enforced effectively, it could potentially help end shortages and slash prices. But the question remains whether it will.
Polio’s other victims
05 Nov, 2026

Polio’s other victims

FOR decades, Pakistan has vowed to eradicate polio. Billions have been spent on logistics and awareness drives. Yet...