The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a national public agency of the United States, classified the Philippines as “high risk” of COVID-19 due to the reported high cases.
In the website of CDC, the country was categorized at level 3: high level of COVID-19.
Under its travel health guidelines for passengers, it advised them to ensure that their COVID-19 vaccines are updated before traveling to the Philippines.
“If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to the Philippines,” it warned.
But it said that even if travelers' COVID-19 vaccines are updated, they “may still be at risk for getting and spreading” the virus.
For children aged two years or older, CDC advises to properly wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public spaces.
“If you have a weakened immune system or are at increased risk for severe disease, even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, talk with your clinician about your risk, and consider delaying travel to the Philippines,” it added.
Among the countries that are also listed in the level 3: high level of COVID-19 are Nepal, Russia, Jordan, Bangladesh, Romania, and many more.
As of Aug. 15, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 38,982 active cases.
The total tally of COVID-19 cases nationwide is now at 3,835,433.
About 3,735,362 recovered and 61,708 died.
