'Leave India As Soon As It Is Safe': US Warns Its Citizens As India Fights Second Covid Wave

In a health alert, the US Embassy in New Delhi said: "Access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases."

New Delhi: As the healthcare system India it trying to keep up with the surge in Covid cases, the US Department of State has advised its citizens not to travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe since the access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in the country.

The US has put India on Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest level issued by the Department.

"India: Access to medical care is severely limited due to COVID-19 cases. US citizens wishing to depart should use available commercial options now. Daily direct flights to the US and flights via Paris and Frankfurt are available," the State Department tweeted.

In a health alert, the US Embassy in New Delhi said: "Access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India due to the surge in Covid-19 cases."

"We urge US citizens to enrol in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Programme) at step.state.gov in order to receive critical information from the Embassy related to health and safety in India," it said.

It asked American citizens to visit the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website for the latest information on travel restrictions. "New cases and deaths from COVID-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels. COVID-19 testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations," the mission said in a statement.

A record single-day rise of 3,79,257 COVID-19 infections, 3,645 fatalities on Thursday pushed India's tally of cases to 1,83,76,524, death toll to 2,04,832.

"Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related patients. US citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space. Some states have enacted curfews and other restrictions that limit movement and the operation of non-essential businesses," it said.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said if at all one has to travel to India, they should first get fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and upon reaching India should follow Covid safety protocols. The health agency advised its citizens to reconsider international travel and take into account logistical factors, including in-country testing availability and current travel restrictions for US citizens.