CDC Lowers Jamaica To The Lowest Level 1 Health Risk

Last Updated 1 year ago

Travelers wishing to go to Jamaica can be reassured that the country is, as of April 6th, classified as a Level 1 risk by the CDC, the lowest level of risk. This means that there are few virus cases in Jamaica, and it is safe to travel there. The case levels have been decreasing steadily over the course of the last few months. Even at the CDC’s level 1 risk, the CDC still has a few recommendations. Individuals should stay updated with their vaccines and boosters, maintain improved ventilation in indoor spaces, and take extra precautions (such as a mask) if they are immunocompromised.

The Tourism Minister of Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, has said now that the country is at its lowest level for COVID-19 risk since the pandemic started, there is a high chance of tourism bouncing back in Jamaica.

“A Level 1 travel advisory is amongst the best news the tourism industry can hope for. This reduced designation is a testament to the work of our Government and the Jamaican people as well as a hopeful incentive to keep our tourism recovery moving forward,” Bartlett said. “In 2021, Jamaica welcomed more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals to our shores. These visitors’ on-island spend contributed over US$2.095 billion into our country’s economy, positively impacting local businesses and tourism stakeholders.”

At the date of the CDC’s decision, Jamaica required that all visitors have a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of their travel date. However, as of April 16^th, travel restrictions to Jamaica have been lifted. This means that travelers will no longer need to provide a negative test before traveling to Jamaica or be required to wear a mask in enclosed public areas. However, Americans should keep in mind that they will need to provide a negative test before their return journey home, as the United States is still requiring a negative test for entry into the country.

The decision from the CDC to reduce Jamaica’s health risk level to 1 will undoubtedly come as a relief to frequent travelers to and from the country and visitors hoping for a carefree vacation. The CDC uses a 4-level system to categorize international destinations, using criteria such as incidence rate and new case trajectory for destinations with populations over 100,000 people, such as Jamaica. The four levels are:

Level 4: Special Circumstances / Do Not Travel
Level 3: High Level Of Covid-19
Level 2: Moderate Level Of Covid-19
Level 1: Low Level Of Covid-19

Travelers weighing the risks of contracting Covid during their journeys use the CDC levels as a guide to make sure they are making the correct decision for their circumstances. According to Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, the transmission rates of the virus are one of the factors that people should consider when making their risk calculations for travel. People need to make their own decisions based on their medical circumstances and how much risk they are willing to take when it comes to contracting Covid-19.

According to Wen, there are a few more things to think about in addition to transmission rates. Things like what safety measures are required and followed at your destination and what you’re planning to do once you’re there. If you are planning to travel to many different places at your destination and interact with many people, it is important to get vaccinated. This will help protect you from becoming ill and spreading Covid-19.

When considering traveling during the pandemic, it is important to think about what you would do if you were to test positive for the virus. If you are away from home, where would you stay, and how easy would it be to get tested so that you could return home? These are essential questions to consider before making any travel plans.

Regardless of travel destination or CDC level designation, travelers are encouraged to make the best decision they can with the information available to them.