CDC recommends Americans avoid travel to France, Jordan, Portugal

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that Americans avoid travel to France, Jordan and Portugal and several other countries because of a “very high level of COVID-19” within their borders.

The CDC on Monday also issued Level 4: Do Not Travel advisories for Tanzania, Liechtenstein, Cyprus and Andorra.

The agency noted, however, that fully vaccinated travelers may have a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms.

The advisory for France comes as the country is seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases among young people. The country took action on Monday, announcing that nightclubs will be closed for four weeks and COVID-19 regulations in primary schools, mainly when it comes to masks, would be heightened.

The State Department, meanwhile, said transportation to and from France may be limited because of COVID-19.

It also urged increased caution in France because of terrorism and civil unrest, writing that terrorist groups are continuing to plot possible attacks in the country. It specifically encouraged U.S. government travelers not to go to Paris and other major cities in the country on the weekends.

“Demonstrations in Paris and other major cities continue in France and are expected to continue in the coming weeks,” the department’s travel advisory reads.

“Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas,” the State Department added.

Officials said property damage, including looting and arson, has occurred in populated tourist areas “with reckless disregard for public safety.” They added that police have responded to the incidents with water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas.

The State Department is also urging travelers to exercise increased caution in Jordan because of terrorism.

“Terrorist groups continue to plot possible attacks in Jordan. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities,” a travel advisory reads.

It specifically urged Americans not to travel near the Jordanian border with Syria, Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, as well as several towns.